Greek authorities have arrested one of Australia’s most wanted fugitives, Greek Australian James Dalamangas, nearly 27 years after he allegedly fled Sydney following the fatal stabbing of George Giannopoulos outside a Belmore nightclub in 1999.
Dalamangas, 55, was arrested at a rural property in Aigialeia in central Greece after a major operation involving Greek police. Australian authorities had long suspected he fled to Greece shortly after the killing, with an arrest warrant issued within 24 hours of Mr Giannopoulos’ death.
According to Greek and Australian media reports, Dalamangas had allegedly been living under a false identity in the Peloponnese region for decades, reportedly using aliases including “Antonios Tzimas,” “Dimitrious” and “Kanis.” Authorities allege he lived a secluded life on a heavily secured farm property surrounded by high walls and aggressive guard dogs.
Mr Giannopoulos, a father of two, was allegedly stabbed while attempting to break up a violent altercation at a Sydney nightclub in 1999. Police allege Dalamangas launched a sudden knife attack during the incident before fleeing Australia soon after.
Greek media outlet Flamis published footage of the arrest, showing heavily armed officers surrounding the property before escorting Dalamangas from the farmhouse in handcuffs.
Australian authorities had offered a $200,000 reward for information leading to Dalamangas’ capture, with NSW Police and the Australian Federal Police making renewed public appeals in 2024 as Greece’s 25-year statute of limitations approached.
Australian police previously attempted to extradite Dalamangas in 2003, however the effort was unsuccessful. Greek authorities later took over the investigation, though the case reportedly stalled in 2007 after investigators were unable to locate him.
Recent intelligence reportedly led Greek police to the property in Aigio, near Patras, where officers conducted a three-day surveillance operation before moving in to arrest the fugitive.
Reports from Greece state that when approached by officers, Dalamangas initially provided a false identity before allegedly admitting his true identity during questioning at a local police station.
Authorities also reportedly searched the property following the arrest, allegedly locating a crossbow and several sharp objects.
Dalamangas is currently being held at Aigio police headquarters and is expected to appear before an appeals prosecutor in Patras, where extradition proceedings to return him to Australia are expected to begin.
In a statement, NSW Police said they were aware of and “encouraged by reports” of the arrest and were making inquiries with federal and Greek law enforcement agencies regarding the next steps in the investigation.
