A 26-year-old boxer, Sharif Ahmadzai, has been identified as the suspect in the case of Elisabeth Jane Ross, a British woman from Edinburgh found dead in a suitcase in Athens. Ahmadzai allegedly used Ross’s bank card to withdraw money and sent texts from her phone after her death to mislead her family. The victim’s body was discovered by a homeless person on July 18 in a rundown building.
Ahmadzai, a father and former boxing champion in Greece, is an Afghan national who arrived in Lesvos in 2016 and married an American woman in 2023. The couple, who ran a charity to aid homeless and refugees, met Ross through their charitable work.
Concerns were raised by Ahmadzai’s wife to the authorities, reporting his suspicious behavior following Ross’s demise. She mentioned his disappearance on July 15, his presence at the victim’s residence, and his attempt to gift her money and a phone suspected to be purchased with illicit funds.
Upon a search of Ahmadzai’s residence, authorities found a replica pistol and a military-style knife. Ahmadzai claimed he found Ross already deceased and only moved her to steal money discreetly. He has been arrested and charged with intentional homicide, robbery, and weapon violations.
Hellenic Police, in a statement, confirmed the arrest of the suspect in collaboration with law enforcement agencies from the US, UK, and Scotland.
