Melbourne Prisoner Remains at Large 150 Days After Funeral Escape
Authorities are still searching for Orijol Rukaj, who disappeared while attending his brother's funeral, and believe he may be hiding within the city.
A Melbourne prisoner, Orijol Rukaj, 47, has been evading authorities for 150 days after escaping during his brother's funeral on Anzac Day. Rukaj was under the supervision of corrections officers at Keilor Cemetery in Melbourne's northwest when he vanished from the service.
Police stated that Rukaj, an alleged cocaine trafficker, escaped during the funeral service and left the cemetery undetected. He was reportedly handcuffed and carrying the coffin of his brother, Sokol Rukaj, when mourners gathered around. Prison officers discovered Rukaj was missing minutes later.
Detectives have released CCTV footage of Rukaj but have not had any sightings in the months since his escape. Victoria Police confirmed this week that they believe Rukaj is still hiding in Melbourne, despite speculation he may have fled overseas.
"Though investigators remain open to all possibilities, police believe it is likely that Rukaj remains in hiding in the Melbourne area," police said.
Rukaj, who was incarcerated at the Marngoneet Correctional Centre, is alleged by investigators to have links to Albanian organized crime figures. Police have identified the Sunbury and St Albans areas as places he is known to frequent.
Rukaj is described as Caucasian, 170cm tall with short brown hair, a solid build, and speaks with a southern European accent. Police are warning the public that anyone found assisting Rukaj could face significant penalties. While they do not believe Rukaj is violent, the public is urged to contact emergency services immediately if they see him. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the police.