New York Woman Caught Attempting to Sneak into Canada
In an unusual series of events, a woman who recently made headlines for stowing away on a Delta flight from New York to Paris found herself back in the spotlight after trying to sneak into Canada. How did it all happen? Let’s break it down.
The Sneaky Stowaway
Svetlana Dali, a Russian national and U.S. permanent resident, was previously charged for her daring escape on November 26. She snuck onto Delta Flight 264 at JFK Airport without a ticket. Reports say she managed to outsmart TSA officials, returning through the employee lane after being turned away at the security checkpoint. While on the plane, she hid in the restroom to avoid detection. Then, during the flight, the crew only alerted passengers about her presence once they landed in Paris, raising eyebrows about security measures in place.
From Paris to Canada: The Next Chapter
Fast forward to last Sunday, when Dali made headlines once again. She reportedly cut off her ankle monitor—a consequence of her earlier stowaway incident—and attempted to board a Greyhound bus heading for Canada. A roommate noticed her monitor lying on the floor and alerted authorities, leading to her capture on Monday. It’s unclear just how close she got to the U.S.-Canada border, but she is now in FBI custody and is expected to be turned over to U.S. Marshals in Buffalo, New York.
Legal Troubles Ahead
This latest incident could land Dali in hot water. She stands accused of bail jumping, which could lead to a federal prison sentence of up to five years. While her attorney, Michael Schneider, initially argued that she wasn’t a major flight risk and was back in custody quite quickly, prosecutors felt otherwise. Brook Theodora, a federal prosecutor, had significant concerns about national security implications following the November event.
A Staggering 180
After her initial stowaway escapade, Dali was ordered to follow strict legal conditions, including not visiting airports or leaving a designated area, wearing a GPS monitor, surrendering travel documents, abiding by a curfew, and pursuing mental health treatment. Yet, despite these restrictions, Dali’s actions have raised questions about the effectiveness of monitoring systems for individuals under court conditions.
Where Do Things Stand Now?
Right now, Dali is slated to appear before a judge in Buffalo before potentially being sent back to Brooklyn where her original charges await. Speculations abound regarding her mental health, particularly as she has filed lawsuits in the past alleging bizarre claims about military-grade chemical weapons and a kidnapping plot. She also previously applied for asylum in France, further complicating her strange behavior profile. In fact, authorities didn’t even realize Dali’s prior instances were on the radar until this latest twist.
The Community Reaction
While Dali’s case has garnered attention and sparked discussions about security procedures at airports, it also highlights the importance of mental health considerations in such incidents. It’s a shocking situation that makes one wonder about the lengths a person might go to and the implications of their choices.
Looking Ahead
The future remains uncertain for Dali, whose story has captivated and bewildered many. Legal experts suggest this case may set a precedent for how similar incidents are handled by federal authorities going forward. Will this mark the end of Dali’s stowing away pursuits? Only time will tell.
As this story unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the unexpected twists life can throw our way. From flights across the ocean to borders between countries, Dali’s journey is anything but ordinary.

Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.


