A prisoner who escaped during his brother’s funeral in Melbourne’s north-west has avoided police detection since doing a runner on Anzac Day.
Orijol Rukaj, a 47-year-old on remand for drug importation, had been in custody at Marngoneet Correctional Centre, near Geelong, when he attended the funeral at Keilor Cemetery on a supervised visit.
Detective Acting Inspector Simon Pengelly of Victoria Police’s fugitive squad said Rukaj, who was known to have connections to Albanian organised crime groups, had not been seen since his escape at about 1:30pm on April 25.
He said approximately 300 people were at the funeral and that Rukaj had helped to carry the casket.
“We know that there was a dark-coloured Toyota LandCruiser that turned up at that location, and we believe that he was picked up by that LandCruiser and left,” Acting Inspector Pengelly said.
On Tuesday, members of the fugitive squad and the VIPER Taskforce spoke to associates and family of the fugitive at about 20 Melbourne addresses.
“From the results of those inquiries, we believe that Rukaj is still within metropolitan Melbourne area, and that is why … we are actively requesting for the public assistance,” Acting Inspector Pengelly said.
Detective Acting Inspector Simon Pengelly says the man absconded from a funeral attended by about 300 people. (ABC News)
Detectives have released CCTV footage and warned that anyone harbouring or assisting the escapee may face significant penalties.
This morning, police also arrested a man arriving at Melbourne Airport. Police believe he spoke to Rukaj in prison over the phone before the escape.
Acting Inspector Pengelly said those calls still needed to be fully translated from Albanian into English.
The man has been released without charge but police say inquiries are ongoing.
Acting Inspector Pengelly said Rukaj had been due to face court this month over “very serious” drug importation charges.
Rukaj was not believed to pose any danger to the community, Acting Inspector Pengelly said.
Rukaj is described as being of Caucasian appearance, approximately 176 centimetres tall and of thin build, with hazel eyes and shaved brown hair.
He has a southern European accent and was last seen wearing a white shirt, black suit and Asics runners.
He is known to have strong family ties, including an ex-wife and children, in the Sunbury and St Albans areas.
While he is not believed to be violent, anyone who spots Rukaj has been urged to call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
Investigators are appealing for Rukaj to contact his nearest police station.
Anyone with information on the prisoner’s whereabouts has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the website.
