Key Points
- An Australian man wanted over a fatal stabbing in Sydney in 1999 has been arrested in Greece.
- His extradition could face legal hurdles because Greece's statute of limitations has expired.
The extradition of one of Australia's most wanted men from Greece over a fatal Sydney nightclub stabbing nearly three decades ago could be complicated by Greece's strict statute of limitations.
James Dalamangas, 56, was arrested on Sunday by Greek authorities in Achaia, a region in north-western Peloponnese.
Dalamangas had been living off-grid and allegedly under a false identity.
He is wanted by Australian authorities over the death of George Giannopoulous, a father-of-two fatally stabbed while breaking up a fight at the Pariziana nightclub in Belmore in Sydney's south-west in 1999.
NSW Police issued a warrant for Dalamangas' arrest, but he allegedly fled before he could be apprehended, with investigators suspecting he had moved to Greece.
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Why extradition may not be simple
Police tried to extradite him in 2003, but they were unsuccessful. Greek authorities took over the case, but attempts to prosecute him were abandoned in 2007 after he could not be found.
In 2019, Australian authorities offered a $200,000 reward for information that led to his arrest.
In 2024, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Giannopolous' family issued a last-effort plea for help as the 25-year-long Greek statute of limitations neared its end.
At the time, his sister Toula Giannopolous said she believed people in Australia and in Greece had been helping hide Dalamangas.
Under Greek law, an extradition can be granted only if the offence is punishable under local law and within its statute of limitations, meaning attempts to return Dalamangas to Australia are all but certain to face legal hurdles.
The Australian Federal Police declined to comment on reports of Dalamangas' arrest while NSW Police said in a statement it was "encouraged" by them, adding the force and Australian authorities were "now engaging with Hellenic Police".
A spokesperson for the Attorney-General's Department would not say whether an extradition request had been made.
SBS News has contacted the Hellenic Police for comment.
How was James Dalamangas found?
Greek media outlet Tempo24 reported Dalamangas lived under the name Antonis Tzimas for 18 years in the rural village of Alsos. The Greek Reporter reported his home was surrounded by high walls and guard dogs.
In a statement, the Hellenic Police said a 56-year-old Greek national subject to an Interpol notice for homicide in Australia had been arrested in an area of Achaia on Sunday afternoon, local time.
They said investigators had received information that he had been living in the area under a false identity, and a specialist team had been formed to locate him and verify his real identity.
He was intercepted by police while driving with an 86-year-old man and a 47-year-old woman, reportedly his father and partner.
Dalamangas allegedly gave police a false name, but his fingerprints were taken, revealing his identity and matching with the Interpol notice.
His farmhouse was also raided, with 13 mobile phones, a laptop, a bow and arrows, USBs and knives seized.
Footage shared by Greek outlet Flamis showed officers at the property, and a man being led out in handcuffs.
Hellenic Police said a case had been filed against the man for weapon offences and making false statements.
They said Interpol red notice procedures, which allow local authorities to detain an individual while formal extradition requests are prepared, had also been initiated.
Family hopes for justice
The family of Giannopoulous reportedly said they were hopeful Dalamangas' arrest meant justice "may finally be within reach".
They were hopeful the Australian and Greek government would work together to ensure Dalamangas was returned to face an Australian court, according to a statement in a Nine News report.
The 86-year-old and the 47-year-old in the car with Giannopoulos were also arrested and charged with harbouring a criminal.
Authorities said all those arrested would face a "competent prosecution authority".
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