Afghan Man Arrested After Scottish Woman's Body Found in Athens Suitcase
Elisabeth-Jane Ross, 38, was discovered in an abandoned car park; cleaner Sharif Ahmadzai faces charges.
Image: Eddie Pollard / AI
Carla Rooney
A 26-year-old Afghan man has been arrested in connection with the death of a Scottish woman whose body was found in a suitcase in Athens.
The autopsy proved inconclusive due to advanced decay. Ms. Ross's last known phone call was made on the night of July 15.
CCTV footage shows Ahmadzai leaving Ms. Ross's flat carrying a suitcase. This suitcase was later found at the site where her body was discovered.
Fingerprint evidence was found on the suitcase. Additional CCTV footage shows a man carrying it to the car park.
Ahmadzai stands accused of using the victim's bank cards to withdraw thousands of euros. Ms. Ross's phone was still being used after her death.
Alaina Hall, Ahmadzai's wife, alerted police to her suspicions. She tracked his phone to Ms. Ross's apartment on the night of July 15.
Ms. Hall reported her husband to the police. She was suspicious of his whereabouts and actions.
Police discovered a black metal replica pistol and a black military-style knife when they raided Ahmadzai's home.
Hellenic Police confirmed the arrest of a 26-year-old foreigner for violating weapons law. They stated their cooperation with US, UK, and Scotland police authorities.
A beautiful, loving and kind young lady.
Ahmadzai arrived in Greece in 2016. He co-founded a refugee charity, Love Every Nation Athens, with his wife, Alaina Hall.
He arrived in Greece via a small boat. He claimed the Greek super lightweight boxing title in March 2023.
Ms. Ross moved to an apartment in Exarchia, Athens, on July 10. She had arrived from Edinburgh on June 26.
The suspect met Ms. Ross through her work helping refugees and the homeless.
Anne Bangham described Ms. Ross as a 'beautiful, loving and kind young lady.'
The Foreign Office and Police Scotland are supporting the family and liaising with Greek authorities. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office provides consular support.