Wanted Aussie Man Evades Authorities for 27 Years, Arrested In Greece Hideout

Aigio, Greece - In a dramatic end to one of Australia’s longest international manhunts, James Dalamangas, a 55-year-old Greek-Australian fugitive, has been arrested by Hellenic Police at a rural property in Aigialeia, central Greece, more than 27 years after allegedly fleeing Sydney following the fatal stabbing of father-of-two, George Giannopoulos.

Dalamangas, wanted in connection with the 1999 murder at the Pariziana nightclub in Belmore, southwest Sydney, was taken into custody alongside his partner, and his elderly father.

Greek authorities raided the farmhouse after a routine traffic stop exposed inconsistencies in his identity, leading to fingerprint confirmation and the discovery of a cache of items including a crossbow, three knives, 13 mobile phones, a computer and USB drives.

The arrest marked a breakthrough in a case that haunted the Giannopoulos family since Anzac Day, April 25, 1999.

Giannopoulos, a 32-year-old father of two young children, intervened to break up a violent brawl at the nightclub when he was allegedly stabbed in the neck and stomach.

A warrant for Dalamangas’ arrest was issued the following day, but he vanished, reportedly making his way to Greece, possibly via Lord Howe Island and living under aliases such as Antonis Tzimas.

Sources close to the investigation indicate that Dalamangas, who had ties to Sydney’s Greek-Australian community and was described by some as involved in security work that allegedly masked other activities, lived a relatively quiet life as a farmer in rural Greek villages after his disappearance.

Australian police long suspected he had sought refuge in Greece, his ancestral homeland, but earlier extradition efforts in 2003 faltered and the case went cold until renewed appeals in recent years.

In 2024, as Greece’s 25-year statute of limitations for murder loomed, New South Wales Police and the Australian Federal Police (AFP), in collaboration with Interpol, issued a global appeal and offered a AU$200,000 reward for information leading to his capture.

Dalamangas reportedly used falsified passports and multiple identities to evade detection across Europe.

Greek media described him as well-integrated into village life in areas like Alsos, where he was known for his farming activities.

Upon his first court appearance in Greece, Dalamangas made headlines with an emotional outburst.

As he was led away, he reportedly shouted, “Justice for Peter Dalamangas! Expose corrupt NSW Police!” referring to the 1998 death of his brother, Peter Dalamangas, who died after being restrained by security at a Sydney casino.

His lawyer is expected to contest extradition, citing the passage of time and Greece’s statute of limitations, while arguing against return to Australia.

Outside court, Dalamangas allegedly told media the charges against him were “a set up” and called for the truth about his brother’s death to be known, claims for which no supporting evidence has been publicly presented.

The Giannopoulos family, who emigrated from Greece to Australia, expressed cautious hope following the arrest.

“While today’s arrest cannot undo the pain our family has endured since George’s death, it provides hope that justice may finally be within reach," the family said in a statement.

“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.

"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,” they said.

The family thanked Hellenic Police and Australian authorities for their persistent efforts.

George’s sister, Toula Giannopoulos, had previously appealed directly to the Greek community for help in locating the suspect.

Extradition proceedings are now underway under the bilateral treaty between Australia and Greece.

Legal experts note the process could take months or even years if Dalamangas mounts a strong defence.

NSW Police have confirmed they are working closely with federal and Greek counterparts to advance the case.