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One of Australia’s most wanted men has been arrested on a farm property in Greece, more than 27 years after he allegedly fled Sydney following the fatal stabbing of another man at a Belmore nightclub.
James Dalamangas – wanted over the 1999 death of Sydney man George Giannopoulous – was arrested by Greek authorities at a regional property in Aigialeia, central Greece.
A warrant for Dalamangas’ arrest was issued the day after Giannopoulos, a father of two, was fatally stabbed in the neck and stomach while attempting to break up a fight at the Pariziana nightclub in Sydney’s south-west.
Dalamangas was never found in Sydney after the stabbing. State and federal police detectives suspected he moved to Greece shortly after the nightclub incident.
Greek media outlet Flamis shared footage showing heavily armed officers at the farmhouse, before a police van parks by the entrance and Dalamangas, wearing a white shirt, is led out in handcuffs.
Media reports and Australian intelligence suggested Dalamangas worked as a farmer after fleeing in Australia, and went by many different names.
Greek outlet Tempo24 reported that Dalamangas lived under the name Antonis Tzimas for 18 years in the rural village of Alsos. Authorities believe he purchased property in the village and was known as a farmer who lived a quiet life with his partner.
Dalamangas’ identity was revealed after he reportedly shared false information during a police check on Sunday (Greek time), eventually confessing that he was wanted in Australia.
Police raided Dalamangas’ home, allegedly finding a crossbow, three knives, 13 mobile phones, a computer and three USB sticks. His father and partner have also been detained, Greek media reported, accused of harbouring a criminal.
Dalamangas is expected to appear before the Greek Public Prosecutor’s Office on Monday (Greek time).
Australian police offered $200,000 for information leading to Dalamangas’ capture, as previous public calls for information failed to find fresh leads on the 55-year-old’s whereabouts.
NSW and federal police made their most recent public appeal to locate Dalamangas in 2024, as the 25-year-long statute of limitations approached in Greece.
Australian authorities failed in their attempt to extradite Dalamangas in 2003, leading to Greek police taking carriage of the investigation, which was abandoned in 2007 when they couldn’t find the man.
Extradition proceedings to return Dalamangas to Australia are now expected, Greek media reported.
NSW Police are aware and “encouraged by reports” of the arrest, and are making inquiries with federal and Greek law enforcement partners to establish the next steps on the investigation.
Daniel Lo Surdo is a breaking news reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald. He previously helmed the national news live blog for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.Connect via email.From our partners
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