Elisabeth-jane Ross in Athens Allegedly Used a Burner Phone to Pose As a Jihadist Who Claimed He Killed Her Over Her Christian Faith

Ross, 38, was found dead in a suitcase in a derelict building in the Kypseli area of the Greek capital on 18 July. The suspect, widely reported to be Sharif Ahmadzai, 26, an Afghan boxer who converted to Christianity, appeared in court on Wednesday and is expected to reappear on Thursday. Authorities have not publicly confirmed his identity.

After allegedly killing Ross, Ahmadzai is accused of sending messages from her phone to friends and family, then buying another phone to text her friends, including his wife, impersonating a jihadist, Greek newspapers reported. His wife told police she suspected his involvement when she woke to find him gone and tracked his phone to Ross's location. Ross, known as Lisa and believed to be from Edinburgh, entered Greece on 26 June and was initially staying with friends in Piraeus.

Police identified her via fingerprints. She is believed to have died five to seven days before being found, during a heatwave with temperatures reaching 36C. Police allege Ahmadzai confessed on Thursday, put her body in a suitcase, and later used her bank card to withdraw money. A replica pistol and knife were found at his home, and he faces charges of manslaughter, robbery, and weapons violations.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Police Scotland are providing support. Our thoughts are with Elisabeth’s family during this difficult time. We are providing consular support and are in contact with the local authorities.