Greek authorities arrested James Dalamangas on Sunday, June 7, 2026 [6], ending a 27-year manhunt for one of Australia's most wanted men [1].
The arrest resolves a decades-long investigation into a fatal stabbing that occurred in Sydney's southwest, marking a significant breakthrough in a cold case that has spanned nearly three decades.
Dalamangas was apprehended at a rural property in the Aigialeia region of central Greece [2]. He is wanted in connection with the death of George Giannopoulos, who died after being stabbed at the Pariziana nightclub in Belmore [2, 3].
The incident occurred on Anzac Day, April 25, 1999 [4, 5]. According to investigative reports, Giannopoulos was stabbed while attempting to break up a fight at the venue [1, 2]. Following the attack, Dalamangas fled the country, remaining a fugitive for 27 years [1].
Reports on the age of the suspect vary slightly, with some sources listing Dalamangas as 55 [3] and others stating he is 56 [4]. The apprehension follows a long-term effort by Australian and Greek authorities to locate the suspect in the Mediterranean region.
Greek police carried out the operation in the rural village setting before taking the suspect into custody [2]. The process of extraditing Dalamangas back to Australia to face charges for the 1999 [1] murder is expected to follow.
“Greek authorities arrested James Dalamangas on Sunday, June 7, 2026”
The capture of James Dalamangas demonstrates the persistence of international police cooperation in cold case investigations. By successfully tracking a fugitive across borders for nearly 30 years, authorities signal that the statute of limitations or the passage of time does not grant immunity for violent crimes, potentially encouraging other fugitives to surrender.
