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🇦🇺 Australia /Crime & Justice

Police intensify hunt for prisoner who fled brother's Melbourne funeral

From ABC Australia · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Police are intensifying their search for Orijol Rukaj, a prisoner who escaped during his brother's funeral in Melbourne on April 25.
  • Rukaj, who is on remand for drug importation and has ties to organized crime, has evaded capture since the escape.
  • Authorities believe Rukaj remains in metropolitan Melbourne and are appealing for public assistance.

Victoria Police are escalating efforts to apprehend Orijol Rukaj, a prisoner who absconded during his brother's funeral in Melbourne's northwest on Anzac Day, April 25. Rukaj, who was in custody at Marngoneet Correctional Centre near Geelong, attended the funeral at Keilor Cemetery under supervision before escaping.

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.

— Detective Acting Inspector Simon PengellyPengelly described the suspected vehicle and method used by the escaped prisoner to flee the funeral.

Detective Acting Inspector Simon Pengelly of Victoria Police's fugitive squad stated that Rukaj, known for connections to Albanian organized crime groups, has not been seen since the escape around 1:30 p.m. on April 25. Approximately 300 people were present at the funeral, where Rukaj reportedly helped carry the casket. Police suspect he left the scene in a dark-colored Toyota LandCruiser.

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.

— Detective Acting Inspector Simon PengellyPengelly explained the current belief about Rukaj's location and the appeal for public help.

Fugitive squad members and the VIPER Taskforce have interviewed associates and family members at numerous Melbourne addresses. Based on these inquiries, police believe Rukaj is still within the metropolitan Melbourne area. They are actively seeking public assistance to locate him. Authorities have also released CCTV footage and warned that harboring or assisting the escapee could lead to significant penalties.

We believe he spoke to Rukaj in prison over the phone before the escape.

— Detective Acting Inspector Simon PengellyPengelly commented on an arrest made at Melbourne Airport in connection with calls made to Rukaj before his escape.

Rukaj was facing court this month for serious drug importation charges. While he is not considered a danger to the community, police urge anyone who spots him to call Triple Zero (000) immediately. Investigators are also appealing for Rukaj himself to contact the nearest police station. Information regarding his whereabouts can also be provided to Crime Stoppers.

Rukaj was not believed to pose any danger to the community.

— Detective Acting Inspector Simon PengellyPengelly reassured the public about Rukaj's perceived threat level.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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