MELBOURNE — Forty-seven-year-old Orijol Rukaj escaped corrections custody during his brother's funeral in Keilor East on Anzac Day and has not been seen for six weeks. Rukaj faces drug importation charges and was held in custody on remand before attending the funeral.
Corrections staff escorted Rukaj to a cemetery in Keilor East for the service. He performed pallbearer duties during the funeral, which approximately 300 people attended. Corrections officers lost visual tracking of Rukaj during the service. "Just due to the sheer amount of people, corrections staff couldn't see." Acting Detective Inspector Simon Pengelly said. Correctional personnel contacted emergency services after they realized Rukaj had left without authorization.
Victoria police allege that Rukaj has ties to the Albanian mafia. A dark-colored Toyota Landcruiser was present at the cemetery location during the funeral. "We know that there was a dark coloured Toyota Landcruiser at that location and we believe that he was picked up by that Landcruiser and left." He said.
Police questioned associates and family members at 20 separate addresses across Melbourne on Tuesday. Law enforcement arrested one person at Melbourne Airport on Thursday morning, but they were subsequently released without charge. Pengelly said police believe that Rukaj is still within the metropolitan Melbourne area.
Police identified multiple individuals they believe assisted Rukaj in planning his escape. These individuals are currently located outside Australia. Investigators issued a public appeal requesting that Rukaj voluntarily contact the nearest police station.
Rukaj has a thin build, is Caucasian, approximately 176 centimeters tall, and has hazel eyes and short brown hair. He was last seen wearing a white shirt, a black suit, and Asics brand athletic shoes. Rukaj has established ties to the Sunbury and St Albans neighborhoods.