Afghan Appears Before Judge Over Killing of British Woman

A 26-year-old Afghan man is due to appear before an investigating magistrate today after prosecutors charged him with the murder of 38-year-old British national Elizabeth Jane Ross, whose body was discovered inside a suitcase in an abandoned building in Athens’ Kypseli district on July 18.

Prosecutors have charged the suspect, Sharif Ahmadzai, with intentional homicide, robbery and weapons offences.

The accused denies killing Ross. He claims he found her dead in the bathroom of her apartment and, fearing the consequences, decided to move her body.

Police Outline Evidence

According to the Hellenic Police, investigators allege that the suspect used Ross’s bank cards to withdraw approximately €10,000 after her death.

Police also allege that he sent messages from the victim’s mobile phone to her relatives and friends in an attempt to create the impression that she was still alive.

Investigators are also examining whether the suspect and Ross became acquainted through their involvement with organisations supporting refugees, as both had reportedly worked with groups active in that sector.

Refugee Story Previously Highlighted

Ahmadzai’s personal story had previously been featured by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) as an example of a refugee’s survival and integration.

According to published accounts, he fled Afghanistan at the age of 15 after losing members of his family in Taliban attacks. He travelled through Iran and Türkiye before arriving on the Greek island of Lesvos in 2016 as an unaccompanied minor.

He later moved to Athens, converted to Christianity and married American citizen Aleina Hall in 2023. The couple had a child and founded the non-profit organisation Love Every Nation Athens, which supports refugees and migrants in Greece. Ahmadzai also competed in amateur boxing, earning distinctions in Greek competitions.

Wife’s Testimony

Investigators consider the testimony of the suspect’s wife a key element of the case.

According to reports, she told police that during the early hours of July 16 she realised her husband was not at home. Using a location-sharing application, she allegedly saw that he was at the apartment where Ross lived.

After authorities announced the discovery of the British woman’s body several days later, she reportedly left the family home with their infant child and contacted police to provide information.

Mobile Phone Evidence

Investigators also found that Ross’s mobile phone became active in the Arachova area on July 19.

Police say mobile phone data analysis and available surveillance footage indicate that the suspect was in the same area at that time with his wife and child.

The investigation remains ongoing, and the suspect is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

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