An Australian man arrested in Greece on suspicion of murder almost 30 years ago is set to avoid standing trial over the incident.
Greek authorities have reportedly refused a bid to extradite James Dalamangas, 55, back to Australia due to the alleged murder falling outside the European nation’s statutes of limitations.
Dalamangas was arrested in Greece last month. Picture: Nine News
Mr Dalamangas was tracked down after allegedly spending 27 years on the run over the fatal stabbing of George Giannopoulos at a Sydney nightclub in 1999.
He was arrested in the Peloponnesian town of Aigio, near Patras, where authorities say he had been hiding under a false identity.
A spokesman for NSW Police said the force was aware of the latest developments and was determined to continue working on the case.
“James Dalamangas remains one of Australia’s most wanted. He is subject to an active arrest warrant in New South Wales for the murder of George Giannopoulos, who was fatally stabbed in Sydney in 1999,” they said.
“While international legal frameworks and jurisdictional statutes of limitation present complex challenges, NSW Police Force maintains its unwavering stance that geographic borders should not serve as a barrier to accountability for violent crimes.
“We will continue to work closely with the Australian Federal Police (AFP), the Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department, and our international law enforcement partners to explore every available legal avenue.”
James Dalamangas is arrested in Greece. Picture: Flamis.Gr
The development comes as a major blow to the Giannopoulos family, with whom NSW Police say they remain in close contact.
“We are deeply committed to supporting them and will not cease in our efforts to seek long-awaited justice for George,” the spokesperson said.
Mr Giannopoulos was allegedly stabbed to death while trying to break up a fight at a Belmore nightclub in 1999.
A warrant was issued for Mr Dalamangas’ arrest, but he allegedly fled to Greece.
The 55-year-old had been the subject of an Interpol red notice, with the AFP renewing a $200,000 reward for his arrest in 2024 over the alleged stabbing murder.
Images from the arrest of James Dalamangas. Picture: Flamis.Gr
He was arrested on June 7.
A week later, he was sentenced in Aigio to two years and nine months’ jail time for illegal weapon possession and giving false testimony – unrelated to this case.
However, as things stand, he will not be brought back to Australia to stand trial over the death of Mr Giannopoulos.
The matter is also being closely monitored by the Australian government.
“The Government takes community safety extremely seriously and is committed to working with our domestic and international partners to bring alleged criminals to justice,” a spokesman said.
“While the Government does not comment on individual matters, we are committed to ensuring that those who inflict harm on our community and flee the country face the full force of the law.”