George Giannopoulous
James Dalamangas is wanted over the alleged fatal stabbing of Sydney man George Giannopoulous (right) at a nightclub in Belmore on Sunday, April 25, 1999, before he fled to Greece.
The next day, a warrant was issued for Mr Dalamangas’s arrest; however, despite extensive inquiries, he has never been located. It’s believed he is still residing in Greece.
After attempts to extradite Mr Dalamangas from Greece were not successful in 2003, Greek authorities agreed to commence the prosecution of Mr Dalamangas over his alleged role in the murder. That process was suspended in 2007 when he could not be located.
State Crime Command detectives, together with the family of Mr Giannopoulos and the Australian Federal Police, launched the appeal earlier yesterday.
With the 25-year-long Greek statute of limitations nearing, police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward – particularly if they can assist in locating Mr Dalamangas in Greece.
Detective Superintendent Grant Taylor, Commander of State Crime Command’s Criminal Group Squad, said police had a limited amount of time left to prosecute Dalamangas in Greece, so were “upping the ante to find him”.
“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,” Det Supt Taylor said.
“Whether here or offshore, we will never stop chasing Mr Dalamangas and ultimately justice for the family of George Giannopoulos.
“We also want to remind people there is a $200,000 reward in place for information leading to the arrest of Mr Dalamangas – that’s approximately $123,000 in euros and can be claimed internationally.”
