James Dalamangas arrested in Greece over killing of George Giannopoulous
Updated ,first published
One of Australia’s most wanted men has been arrested on farmland in Greece more than 27 years after he allegedly fled Sydney after fatally stabbing another man at a Belmore nightclub.
James Dalamangas, wanted for the 1999 death of Sydney man George Giannopoulous, was arrested by Greek authorities at a regional estate in Aigialeia in central Greece.
The arrest warrant for Dalamangas was issued the day after father-of-two Giannopoulos was fatally stabbed in the neck and abdomen while trying to break up a fight at Pariziana nightclub in Sydney’s south-west.
Dalamangas was never found in Sydney following the stabbing. State and federal police detectives suspected he had moved to Greece shortly after the nightclub incident.
Greek media outlet flamis Footage was shared of heavily armed officers at the farmhouse before a police van parked at the entrance and Dalamangas, who was wearing a white shirt, was taken out in handcuffs.
Media reports and Australian intelligence suggested that Dalamangas worked as a farmer after fleeing Australia and went by many different names.
Greek exit Tempo24 He reported living under the name Antonis Tzimas in the rural village of Alsos in Dalamangas for 18 years. Authorities believe he bought property in the village and was known as a farmer who lived a quiet life with his partner.
Dalamangas’ identity was revealed after he shared false information during a police check on Sunday (Greek time) and eventually admitted that he was wanted in Australia.
Police raided Dalamangas’ home and allegedly found a crossbow, three knives, 13 cell phones, a computer and three USB sticks. According to reports in the Greek media, his father and his partner were also detained on charges of harboring a criminal.
Dalamangas is expected to appear before the Greek Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office on Monday (Greek time).
Australian police offered $200,000 for information leading to Dalamangas’ capture; Because previous public calls for information have failed to turn up new clues to the 55-year-old’s whereabouts.
NSW and federal police have made the latest public appeal to locate Dalamangas in 2024, as Greece’s 25-year statute of limitations approaches.
Attempts by Australian authorities to extradite Dalamangas in 2003 were unsuccessful, leading to Greek police taking over the investigation. The investigation was abandoned in 2007 when they could not find the man.
According to reports in the Greek media, extradition proceedings for Dalamangas’ extradition to Australia are now awaited.
NSW Police are aware of the arrest and are “encouraged by the reports” and are investigating with federal and Greek law enforcement partners to determine next steps in the investigation.
Daniel Lo Surdo is a breaking news reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald. He previously ran The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age’s national news live blog.Connect via email.
