Had ‘ideological motive to disrupt airspace’: RCMP
Stock photo of plane
A 39-year-old man has been charged following a brazen hijacking of a small aircraft from Victoria International Airport on July 15.
Shaheer Cassim faces one count of hijacking under Section 76(d) of the Criminal Code after allegedly seizing control of a Cessna plane and forcing it to land at Vancouver International Airport (YVR). He remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on July 22.
The RCMP’s Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (INSET) has taken over the investigation, working alongside federal and aviation authorities.
According to investigators, Cassim allegedly threatened a flight instructor before commandeering the aircraft.
“Investigators have determined the suspect acted with an ideological motive to disrupt airspace,” said Sgt. Tammy Lobb, Media Relations Officer with Federal Policing – Pacific Region. “Thankfully, no one was injured during this incident.”
The incident began around 1:10 p.m. on July 15, when Richmond RCMP received reports of a hijacked Cessna 172, a small passenger plane, entering Vancouver airspace. The suspect was the only person aboard.
A multi-unit response, including the Lower Mainland Integrated Emergency Response Team and RCMP Air Services, was deployed. By 1:45 p.m., the plane landed safely at YVR, where officers arrested Cassim without incident.
Authorities, including NAV Canada and Transport Canada, continue to investigate.
“The investigation is still in its infancy,” said Sgt. Lobb, adding that officers are “working diligently to collect evidence and follow up on all leads.”
