The pilot flew passenger planes for 17 years without a license.

Police say 59-year-old Jeffrey Wall of Ontario flew with false documents for years. The violations came to light years after he was promoted to captain in 2009. He now faces fraud charges, according to Air force.

Air Canada said the pilot was immediately suspended from flying after he was discovered to have fake documents last year.

"We have voluntarily notified Transport Canada of this," the airline said.

The carrier emphasizes that passengers have always been safe, as all pilots undergo qualification checks every six months.

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Peel Region Deputy Police Chief Nick Milinovich said Wall, who began his career in 1998, worked for Air Canada for 27 years.

According to the investigation, beginning in 2009, when he was promoted to captain, he provided false information about his qualifications. This position requires an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL), which is obtained, in part, by passing a series of written exams.

"It's like a licensed family physician performing brain surgery in his office," Milinovich explained.

Over the past 17 years, Wall flew several types of Boeing aircraft, completed nearly 900 domestic and international flights, and earned millions of dollars, all while allegedly not having the required license, police said.

The alleged fraud came to light last year during a routine inspection, when investigators discovered discrepancies in the pilot's license documents, prompting Transport Canada to launch an investigation.

Peel Region Police, which covers the Toronto area, subsequently opened a criminal investigation. As part of the investigation, a search warrant was obtained and the license was analyzed, which police determined to be counterfeit.

On June 1, Wall was indicted on seven charges, including fraud, forgery and possession of counterfeit insignia.

Air Canada clarified that the pilot had a valid commercial licence and had completed the required training, but did not have an ATPL licence, which is required by Canadian regulations to serve as a captain.

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The company noted that it was “treating this situation with the utmost seriousness” and reported that it had conducted a background check on all pilots; no other violations were found.

Asked how the alleged fraud could have gone undetected for so many years, Milinovich emphasized that criminals can become very good at hiding their identity over time.

"Fraud often goes on for years. But sooner or later, it's discovered—and then we get involved," he concluded.

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