An Afghan refugee accused of killing a British woman in Athens has been named and pictured. Sharif Ahmadzai, 26, a professional boxer who ran a refugee charity, is charged with murder, robbery, and illegal possession of a weapon. He is due in court in Athens this week.
Body found in abandoned building
Elisabeth-Jane Ross, 38, from Scotland, was found dead in a suitcase dumped in an abandoned building in Kypseli on July 16. Ahmadzai allegedly used her bank cards to withdraw thousands of euros. CCTV reportedly shows him leaving her flat with a suitcase, later found at the site.
Charity connection and arrest
Ahmadzai arrived in Greece via Lesvos in 2016 and married US-born Alaina Hall in 2023. The couple founded Love Every Nation Athens, a refugee ministry, and knew Elisabeth through their work. Their organisation owned the apartment she used, and they held a key.
Hall became suspicious when she woke on July 15 to find her husband missing. Checking his shared location, she saw he was at Elisabeth's flat. He later gave her €2,550 and a new iPhone, believed bought with money from the victim's accounts. She reported him to police.
Investigation and family support
A Greek source said Hall's testimony and CCTV were crucial: "Without her we would not have been able to find this man." Initial medical reports indicate Elisabeth died from asphyxiation near where her body was found. Her phone sent messages claiming she needed time alone for up to two weeks after her death.
Elisabeth had flown from Edinburgh on June 26 to volunteer with NGOs. Her father, an Edinburgh lawyer, received the texts. Her aunt, Anne Bangham, described her as a "beautiful, loving and kind young lady." The Foreign Office and Police Scotland are supporting the family and liaising with Greek authorities.
