KEILOR EAST, VIC. — Detectives from the Fugitive Squad have released new CCTV as part of the ongoing search for escaped prisoner Orijol Rukaj.
Rukaj was last seen about 1.30pm on Saturday, April 25, when he attended a funeral at Keilor East cemetery on a supervised visit.
During the service, he managed to leave the cemetery undetected and has not been seen since.
Over the past two months, police have been actively searching for Rukaj; however, there have been no confirmed sightings since the funeral.
On Tuesday 9 June, police attended 20 addresses across the Melbourne metropolitan area to make further enquiries with several Rukaj’s associates in the hope of gaining further information.
Following these enquiries, police believe it is likely that Rukaj remains in hiding in the Melbourne area.
Police have identified several people believed to have assisted Rukaj with his plans to escape; however, those people are currently offshore.
He is also known to have connections to Albanian organised crime groups.
Detectives believe the images (see attached) give the best indication of his appearance at the time of his disappearance.
Rukaj is described as being Caucasian in appearance, approximately 176cm tall with a thin build, hazel eyes and short shaved brown hair.
He has a southern European accent.
The 47-year-old was last seen wearing a white shirt, black suit and Asics runners.
He is known to frequent the Sunbury and St Albans areas.
Anyone found to be harbouring or assisting Rukaj may also face significant penalties.
Investigators have also re-released images of Rukaj in the hope that information can be provided on his whereabouts.
Rukaj is not believed to be violent but members of the public are urged to call Triple Zero (000) immediately if they see him.
Investigators are also appealing for Rukaj to come forward and make himself known to police by contacting his nearest police station.
Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
