One of Australia's most wanted men has been arrested in Greece more than 27 years after the alleged fatal stabbing of a Sydney father. James Dalamangas, 55, has been wanted by police since George Giannopoulos was allegedly stabbed in the neck and stomach while trying to break up a fight at the Pariziana nightclub in Belmore, in Sydney's southwest, on Anzac Day in 1999.
Dalamangas was arrested by Greek authorities on Sunday in the Peloponnesian town of Aigio, according to local media reports. He was traveling in a ute with his 86-year-old father and 47-year-old partner when police pulled the vehicle over during what appeared to be a routine roadside check, Greek News Today reported. Police allege Dalamangas provided false identity details and claimed he was not carrying identification. His father and partner allegedly supported his claims.
However, authorities used the Hellenic Police Automated Fingerprint Identification System, which revealed he was the subject of an Interpol Red Notice issued by Australia over the homicide investigation. A search of the vehicle allegedly uncovered a bow and five arrows, two knives, a laptop, three USB storage devices and 13 mobile phones.
Dalamangas has been charged with weapons offences and making false statements, while extradition-related procedures linked to the Interpol Red Notice are underway. His father and partner were also arrested and accused of harbouring a fugitive.
A warrant was issued for Dalamangas the day after Giannopoulos' death, but he was never located. The Australian Federal Police have long believed he fled to Greece. According to Greek Reporter, Dalamangas remained undetected by assuming the alias Anthonios Tzimas and living in a house surrounded by high walls and guard dogs.
Giannopoulos' family thanked Australian and Greek authorities for their efforts, saying the arrest had given them hope that "justice may finally be within reach". "While today's arrest cannot undo the pain our family has endured since George Giannopoulos was taken from us in Sydney in 1999, it provides hope that justice may finally be within reach," the family said. "We now hope that the Australian and Greek governments will work together to ensure that James Dalamangas is returned to Australia to face the Australian judicial system and answer the allegations relating to the murder of George Giannopoulos. After more than 27 years, our family remains committed to seeing this matter heard where it began and to ensuring that accountability is pursued through the proper legal process. Thank you to everyone who has supported our family throughout this long journey. George has never been forgotten, and he never will be."
