Police believe escaped prisoner Orijol Rukaj, who fled a funeral six weeks ago, is still in Melbourne. Rukaj, accused of drug importation and alleged ties to the Albanian mafia, was escorted to his brother's funeral by corrections staff but did not return to prison.
The escape of an accused drug importer with alleged mafia ties raises public safety concerns and highlights potential security lapses within the correctional system.
Police in Melbourne are seeking information on the whereabouts of Orijol Rukaj, an escaped prisoner who has been missing for six weeks. Rukaj, who is accused of drug importation and allegedly has ties to the Albanian mafia, fled custody on Anzac Day while being escorted by corrections staff to his brother's funeral. Approximately 300 people attended the funeral at a Melbourne cemetery.
Corrections staff realized Rukaj was missing after the service and contacted authorities. Police believe he was picked up by a dark-colored Toyota Landcruiser from the cemetery. Acting Detective Inspector Simon Pengelly stated that due to the large number of attendees, corrections staff could not monitor Rukaj effectively.
Following inquiries at 20 addresses across Melbourne, police believe Rukaj is still within the metropolitan area. They have identified several individuals believed to have helped plan his escape, but these individuals are currently offshore. One person was arrested at Melbourne airport in connection with the escape but was later released without charge.
Police are appealing for the public's assistance and for Rukaj himself to come forward. They do not believe he poses a danger to the community, despite the serious charges he faces. Rukaj is described as thin, Caucasian, approximately 176cm tall, with hazel eyes and short brown hair. He has ties to the Sunbury and St Albans areas and was last seen wearing a white shirt, black suit, and Asics trainers.
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