News release

Man charged in plane hijacking

July 16, 2025 - Pacific Region, British Columbia
From: Federal Policing Pacific Region

Content

File # 2025-1356

A man has been charged following an incident on July 15, 2025, when a plane was allegedly hijacked from the Victoria International Airport before landing at the Vancouver International Airport.

Update:

The RCMP Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (INSET) with Federal Policing – Pacific Region has assumed conduct of this investigation.

On July 16, 2025, Shaheer Cassim, 39-years-old was charged with one count of hijacking under Section 76(d) of the Criminal Code and he has been remanded until his next court appearance on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

While at the Victoria International Airport on July 15, 2025, it is alleged the suspect threatened a flight instructor and successfully hijacked a Cessna plane by taking control of the aircraft.

“Investigators have determined the suspect acted with an ideological motive to disrupt airspace,” says Sgt. Tammy Lobb, Media Relations Officer with Federal Policing – Pacific Region. “Thankfully, no one was injured during this incident,” added Sgt. Lobb.

The RCMP Federal Policing – Pacific Region is working closely with our partners at the Victoria International Airport and Vancouver International Airport as well as NAV Canada and Transport Canada.

The investigation is still in its infancy as investigators are working diligently to collect evidence and follow up on all leads to ensure a thorough investigation.

More information will be provided as it becomes available.

Background:

At approximately 1:10 p.m. on July 15, 2025, Richmond RCMP received a report that a Cessna 172—a small passenger aircraft—had been hijacked from the Vancouver Island area and was entering into airspace near Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The suspect was the sole occupant of the aircraft.

Richmond RCMP, along with the Lower Mainland Integrated Police Dog Service, the Lower Mainland Integrated Emergency Response Team, and RCMP Air Services were immediately deployed.  Communication was established with YVR Emergency Operation Centre to ensure a coordinated response that focused on the safety and security of all involved. 

At 1:45 p.m., the plane safely landed at YVR and Richmond RCMP officers arrested the suspect without incident. 

Contacts