One of Australia’s most wanted men arrested in Greece

Police are working with Greek counterparts following reports that one of Australia’s most wanted men has been arrested after being on the run for three decades.

According to local media reports, James Dalamangas was detained in the Peloponnesian town of Aigio on Sunday.

The 55-year-old had been living under an assumed name in Greece since a warrant was issued for his arrest following the death of father-of-two George Giannopolous, who was fatally stabbed after intervening in a fight at a suburban Sydney nightclub on Anzac Day in 1999.

NSW Police said they were “encouraged” by the reports and were working with Greek police.

The underworld figure eluded Australian authorities for decades.

Police tried to extradite him in 2003, and attempts by his Greek counterparts to prosecute him were suspended in 2007.

A $200,000 reward has also been offered for information leading to his arrest, and in 2024 Australian authorities and Mr Giannopolous’ family made a last-ditch plea for help as Greece nears the end of its 25-year statute of limitations law.

His sister, Toula Giannopolous, believed that people in Australia and Greece helped keep Dalamangas secret.

According to the Greek Reporter, Dalamangas went unnoticed because he took the pseudonym Anthonios Tzimas and lived in a house surrounded by high walls and guard dogs.

According to Tempo24, his father and his partner were also detained and accused of harboring a criminal.

Australian authorities are expected to apply for his extradition.

Dalamangas’ brother Peter died in 1998 after being held down by up to seven security guards during an altercation at Sydney’s Star City casino.

A judge described the man, who is now at large, as the “catalyst” of the fight in which he was also injured.