Australian fugitive James Dalamangas has claimed he left Australia and lived under a false identity in Greece for 27 years because he feared for his safety after allegedly exposing corruption.
Dalamangas, 56, made the claims during a court hearing in Greece after being found guilty of firearm possession and false testimony. He was arrested in Aigio, Greece, while wanted by Australian authorities over the 1999 death of Greek Australian George Giannopoulos in Sydney.
Last week, Dalamangas was sentence to two years and nine months’ jail for illegal weapon possession and giving false testimony. The 56-year-old remains in custody as he appeals the sentence.
During his defence, Dalamangas said he had lived as an “invisible” person since arriving in Greece and used the name Antonis Tzimas to avoid being found.
“Since 1999, when I came to Greece, I used the name Antonis Tzimas because I didn’t want those who were after me to find me. I left Australia because I had exposed corruption rings and I feared for my life,” he told authorities.
He said he had no official documents or records under his real identity.
“I never had an identity card, I had never filed a tax return, I was not insured anywhere,” Dalamangas said.
His 46-year-old partner, who also faced charges, said she only knew him as Antonis Tzimas and claimed she was unaware of the Interpol warrant against him.
“I knew one Antonis Tzimas, I don’t know anyone else. I bought the house in my name with my own money. Antonis was always kind and caring to me,” she said.
The court sentenced his partner to two years and six months and his father to three years and four months, with both granted the right to appeal and released. Dalamangas remains in custody due to the pending extradition process.
A decision is now awaited on whether he will be extradited to Australia, where he is wanted over the alleged 1999 murder. His defence has argued the offence is no longer prosecutable under Greek law due to the passage of time, while Australian authorities maintain the matter remains active.
