hijacker

A hijacker is an individual who unlawfully seizes control of a vehicle, typically an aircraft, ship, or land vehicle, while it is in transit. This act is often carried out through force, threat of force, or intimidation. The primary motive behind hijacking can vary, ranging from political protest or asylum seeking to financial gain or personal revenge.

Historically, aircraft hijacking became a prominent form of terrorism and criminal activity in the latter half of the 20th century. These acts were frequently used to draw international attention to political grievances or to force the release of prisoners. Security measures on aircraft have significantly increased since the early days of hijacking, making such attempts more difficult.

Ship hijacking, also known as piracy, is a more ancient form of seizing vessels. Modern piracy often occurs in specific maritime regions where security is lax, and the targets are typically cargo ships for their valuable contents or to hold crews for ransom. Land vehicle hijacking, while less common on a large scale, can occur as a means to commit other crimes or to escape authorities. The legal ramifications for hijacking are severe, with convictions often resulting in lengthy prison sentences.