The family of a father-of-two who was stabbed to death at a Sydney nightclub in 1999 has made a desperate plea for his alleged killer, one of Australia’s most wanted men James Dalamangas, to be found after decades on the run.
According to Nine News, an arrest warrant was issued for Dalamangas the day after George Giannopoulos’ alleged murder at a Belmore nightclub on April 25, 1999. He was never found.
Australian police believe he escaped to Greece in 1999 and remains living there.
After many unsuccessful attempts to capture Dalamangas in 2003, authorities in Greece had agreed to commence his prosecution, however four years later, this was suspended when he couldn’t be found.
In 2019, police also offered a $200,000 reward for people to turn in Dalamangas’ whereabouts, but that was also unsuccessful.
On Tuesday, the New South Wales Police launched a new appeal for information on Dalamangas’ whereabouts as the 25-year Greek statute of limitations draws to a close, meaning it will be difficult to initiate criminal legal proceedings against him if he is not found soon.
At a press conference, Detective Superintendent Grant Taylor said police are requesting assistance from the Greek community to help locate Dalamangas.
“Today, we’re directly appealing to members of our Greek community – and those who might hear our pleas in Greece – that now is the time to come forward,” Detective Superintendent Taylor said.
Giannopoulos’ sister, Toula, was present at the press conference on Tuesday and urged Dalamangas to “hand yourself in.”
“It’s terrible knowing my parents buried their son and their lives changed forever and he’s there walking free,” Toula said.
Records show that Dalamangas is of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean descent, is roughly 182cm tall, has brown hair, brown eyes, and a Greek inscription tattoo on his right forearm.
Police have also indicated Dalamangas may currently be using the names “James”, “Jim” or “Tim” with surnames “Dimitriou” or “Kanis.”
Source: Nine News
