James Dalamagas, who was arrested in early June in Aigio, Greece, after nearly 27 years as a fugitive wanted in connection with the murder of George Yiannopoulos in Australia, is expected to be released from custody within the day. According to sources, his lawyers filed an appeal requesting his immediate release, arguing that the offense has reached the statute of limitations under Greek law.
The appeal was granted even before the Court of Appeals Council issued its ruling. As his attorney, Yannis Apostolopoulos, stated, this development is not expected to be overturned by the judicial council’s decision.
James Dalamagas freed under restrictive conditions
James Dalamagas has been released from custody subject to restrictive conditions. Specifically, he has been banned from leaving the country and is required to report to his local police station twice a month, on the 1st and 16th of each month. His defense attorney further argued that his arrest should never have taken place, claiming that the European arrest warrant issued against him had already been lifted last year. The 55-year-old was arrested in early June in Aigio, where he had been living for years under the false name “Antonis Tzimas,” having managed to evade capture for nearly three decades.
Timeline of the case
The case dates back to April 1999, when Greek-Australian George Yiannopoulos lost his life outside a nightclub in the Belmore area of Sydney. According to Australian authorities, Yiannopoulos attempted to intervene in a fight between two individuals and was fatally stabbed. James Dalamagas was identified as a suspect in the murder and allegedly fled Australia before he could be apprehended.
Australian authorities issued an arrest warrant the very next day after the crime and for years listed him among the country’s most wanted fugitives. In 2024, they renewed their international appeal to locate him, offering a reward of AUD $200,000 for information leading to his arrest.
He was ultimately arrested in June 2026 in Aigio, where he is believed to have lived for years under a false identity, having built a new life far from the public eye.
