Afghan Boxer Arrested in Greece Over Murder of Scottish Woman Found in Suitcase

Greek authorities have arrested Sharif Ahmadzai, a 26-year-old Afghan professional boxer and refugee charity operator, in connection with the murder of Elisabeth-Jane Ross, a Scottish charity worker whose remains were found concealed inside a large travel suitcase in an abandoned building in Athens.

Discovery of the Victim

Ross had arrived in Greece from Edinburgh on 29 June 2026, with a history of volunteer work with churches and aid organisations across the United Kingdom, Greece, and elsewhere. On 2 July she moved into a ground-floor flat on Rethymnou Street in the Exarchia neighbourhood of Athens, an area known for its activist community and refugee support networks.

On the afternoon of 18 July, her remains were discovered inside a large travel suitcase wrapped in black fabric in a derelict complex in the Kypseli district of Athens. The body was found in an advanced state of decomposition. Tributes have since been paid by volunteer organisations who worked alongside Ross.

Evidence Against Ahmadzai

Police say location-sharing data placed Ahmadzai at Ross's apartment overnight on 15–16 July. Surveillance evidence indicates he moved the suitcase containing her body on 16 July. He faces charges of homicide, robbery, and weapons possession.

Key testimony came from Ahmadzai's partner, US-born Alaina Hall. Ahmadzai had arrived in Greece on a small boat from Lesvos in 2016, subsequently converted to Christianity, married Hall in 2023, and the couple established a ministry in Athens focused on supporting refugees and migrants.

Expected Court Appearance

Ahmadzai is expected to appear before a judge in Athens on Wednesday. The case has attracted widespread attention in both Scotland and Greece. Police have not publicly confirmed a motive, though the investigation into the full circumstances surrounding the killing continues.