Hand yourself in Renewed appeal for information to find one of Australia’s most wanted men over 1999 stabbing
“Hand yourself in” is the message to the alleged killer of George Giannopoulos, who was brutally murdered in a Sydney nightclub 25 years ago.
James Dalamangas, one of Australia’s most wanted men, is accused of the fatal stabbing of Giannopoulous at a nightclub in Belmore on April 25, 1999.
Dalamangas allegedly fled Australia to Greece, where he has remained for more than two decades.
In 2003, Australian and Greek authorities determined Dalamangas would be prosecuted in Greece but he has never been found.
Now the statute of limitations on prosecuting Dalamangas is nearing for Greek authorities and NSW Police and Giannopoulous’ family have launched a renewed appeal for information.
“We believe someone in Greece would know where he is living or working,” Detective Superintendent Grant Taylor said.
“Time is now of the essence.”
There’s a $200,000 reward for any information on Dalamangas’ whereabouts given by a person in Australia or internationally.
“The family is Greek and they’re appealing to the hearts of their motherland in regards to helping them out to help find justice for their family,” Taylor said.
But even after the April date looms, Taylor vowed police would continue pursuing Dalamangas wherever he may be to prosecute him here in Australia.
“If he was to leave Greece, then all bets are off,” Taylor said.
AFP Superintendent Jared Taggart said Dalamangas has likely aged but there isn’t any intelligence that he has modified his appearance.
“Dalamangas can do two things at any time – he can walk into the nearest police station and surrender himself or he can get on a plane and fly back to Sydney where he will be arrested,” he said.
“We will be relentless until Dalamangas is in custody.”
For Giannopoulous’ sister Toula and his family, it has been a long 25 years without justice.
“My parents left the motherland to come here to the land of opportunity,” she said.
“They were hardworking, honest people who wanted to provide the best life for us and help support their family in Greece.
“The last thing they expected was burying their son.”
Toula said her brother was loving and caring to her and her sister as well as his two children who grew up without their father.
“It has been 25 years of battling through loss and grief with no justice or closure to help us through this pain,” she said.
She pleaded for anyone with information in Australia or Greece to come forward.
“I believe there are people here and in Greece that are covering him up. It makes it damn hard for my family,” she said.
“If he is watching, hand yourself in.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact police in Australia or Greece and can remain anonymous.
