'Catch Me If You Can' inspiration to deliver RSA Europe keynote

Frank Abagnale, the notorious fraudster of the 1960s whose life was the inspiration for the film "Catch Me If You Can," is the first confirmed keynote speaker for RSA Conference Europe, to be held in London later this year.

Abagnale is best known for his teenage deception spree nearly 40 years ago, when he cashed more than $2.5 million in fraudulent checks in 26 countries and masqueraded as an airline pilot, lawyer, doctor and university professor.

He was finally arrested in France in 1969 when an Air France attendant recognized his face from a wanted poster. After several years in prison, the federal government released him on the condition that he work for the federal authorities, including the FBI.

The 58-year-old is now regarded as one of the world’s leading experts on fraud and identity theft.

"As one of the foremost authorities in fraud prevention, we are honored to welcome Frank Abagnale as our closing keynote speaker this year," said Tim Pickard, director of RSA Conference Europe. "His range of extraordinary experiences, in addition to his rich insight into the security industry, will make for an unmissable speech at this year’s conference."

He added: "Holding the event in London, the financial center of Europe, for the first time is a significant move and will allow us to grow the number of full attendees and exhibition traffic even further to establish RSA Conference Europe as the must-attend security event on the continent."

The eighth annual RSA Conference Europe takes place from Oct. 22 to 24 at ExCeL in London’s Docklands.