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Suspect charged with hijacking in connection with security incident at YVR

Click to play video: 'Accused hijacker had aviation experience'
Accused hijacker had aviation experience
A charge has been laid against a man accused of flying in controlled airspace at YVR after allegedly hijacking a plane in Victoria. Julia Foy has the details – Jul 17, 2025

A man has now been charged in connection with the security incident at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) on Tuesday afternoon.

Shaheer Cassim, 39, has been charged with hijacking after allegedly stealing a small plane from the Victoria Flying Club, flying it over the Salish Sea and eventually landing it at YVR.

Cassim made a brief court appearance on Wednesday afternoon and remains in custody.

According to public records, an order was made to determine whether Cassim is fit to stand trial.

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The Prosecution Service of Canada also indicates that this hijacking charge comes with terrorism implications.

Under the Criminal Code of Canada, a charge of hijacking could mean a person is sentenced to life in prison.

Click to play video: 'Pilot of small plane in custody after security incident at YVR'
Pilot of small plane in custody after security incident at YVR

Cassim has previously been involved in climate activism.

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In 2012, Cassim held a news conference in Victoria at the start of a cross-country bicycle trek to raise awareness of global warming.

–with files from The Canadian Press

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