Security is being reviewed at the Maribyrnong Immigration Detention Centre after at least five people escaped in the past four months.
In the most dramatic incident, members of an outlaw bikie gang reportedly freed a fellow gang member as intimidated guards looked on.
Leonard Gjeka was sprung from the Maidstone centre in November after two bikies cut a hole in a fence, entered the centre and led him away to waiting motorbikes.
The Adelaide underworld figure was being held after his visa was revoked on character grounds. Police had reportedly wanted Gjeka held in a high-security facility. He was on the run for eight days before being recaptured and deported to his native Albania.
A New Zealand man reportedly escaped in the same incident.
Immigration Minister Peter Dutton said Gjeka’s deportation came 42 days after his recapture and he had been banned from ever returning to Australia.
“Mr Gjeka is a perfect example of somebody we do not want in this country,” Mr Dutton said.
“He arrived in Australia on a false passport and made numerous attempts to remain permanently but all failed.”
In January, a Chinese detainee jumped over the fence from a roof to escape. Last week a former prisoner awaiting deportation to Vietnam fled the centre in the same manner at 4.40pm on Tuesday. An asylum seeker escaped at 2.30pm on Wednesday while being escorted to his Migration Review Tribunal hearing.
Both of last week’s escapees remain on the run.
A spokesman for centre operators Serco deflected inquiries to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.
A departmental spokeswoman said the circumstances of escapes were investigated by the detention services provider and all escapes were referred to the department’s detention assurance team.
“Reports are submitted to the department for review of agreed recommendations that reduce the residual risk of escape,” she said.
The escapes come as the department investigates allegations that security guards at the centre may be using excessive force against detainees. Serco has confirmed it has dismissed two staff following complaints about harassment and bullying.
