- Published:
- Thursday 11 June 2026 at 9:29 am
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, 25 April 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 a number of 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.
Police are today releasing further CCTV of Rukaj which was captured inside a correctional facility earlier this year.
Detectives believe this footage gives 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 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.
Anyone with other information that might assist in locating Rukaj is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Media Unit
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