AN AFGHAN professional boxer who arrived in Greece on a small boat has been arrested over the murder of a British woman in Athens, reports say.
Sharif Ahmadzai, 26, is suspected of killing Elisabeth-Jane Ross, 38, before stuffing her body in a suitcase and dumping it in an abandoned building on July 16.
Sharif Ahmadzai, who is suspected of killing Elisabeth-Jane Ross, and his wife Alaina Hall
Ahmadzai, a professional boxer from Afghanistan, arrived in Greece in 2016
He is also accused of using the Scottish national’s bank cards to withdraw thousands of Euros.
CCTV allegedly showed Ahmadzai leaving the apartment where Elisabeth was staying with a suitcase and dumping it where her remains were found, the Daily Mail reports.
Sign up for The Jattvibe newsletter
Thank you!
Ahmadzai arrived in Lesvos in 2016, and later married US-born Alaina Hall in 2023.
The couple set up a ministry to help refugees in Athens and are believed to have known Elisabeth through their work.
They also had a key to the flat she was staying in – which was owned by their organisation.
Initial medical reports suggest Elisabeth died from asphyxiation, The Times reports, citing a case file.
Her phone was used to send messages and mislead her loved ones until her identity was made public on July 29.
Her dad, a lawyer from Edinburgh, said he received texts for up to two weeks after her death.
Messages sent to family and friends claimed that she needed to take some time for herself and wanted to be alone for a while.
Elisabeth arrived in the Greek capital on a flight from Edinburgh on June 26.
Her aunt, Anne Bangham, described her as a “beautiful loving and kind young lady”.
Greek authorities said her cause of death could be revealed in “days” as they fast-track crucial tests.
Tests on blood, urine and vital organ tissues will be key to determine if foul play was involved.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office said earlier: “Our thoughts are with Elisabeth’s family during this difficult time.
“We are providing consular support and are in contact with the local authorities.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We are aware of the death of a Scottish woman in Athens and are liaising with authorities in Greece.
“Officers are providing support to her family in Scotland.”
