Greek authorities have arrested a 26-year-old Afghan national in connection with the death of Scottish charity worker, Elisabeth-Jane Ross, whose body was found inside a suitcase in an abandoned building in Athens last month.
Police said the suspect was arrested on August 1 and later confessed during interrogation at the Hellenic Police headquarters. However, investigators said the motive for the killing has yet to be established as inquiries continue.
According to Greek authorities, a criminal case has been opened against the suspect on allegations including intentional homicide, robbery and firearms-related offences, although the exact charges are still being determined under Greek law.
Ross, 38, who was from Edinburgh, Scotland, had been reported missing on July 15. Her body was discovered three days later by a homeless man inside a suitcase in a derelict building on Evelpidon Street in the Kypseli district, a few kilometres from central Athens.
Investigators identified her remains through Interpol fingerprint records after forensic examinations confirmed her identity.
Police believe the suspect transported Ross’s body to the abandoned building in a suitcase after her death.
Authorities further alleged that after Ross died, the suspect used her bank cards to withdraw money and sent messages from her mobile phone to members of her family, including her father, in an apparent attempt to create the impression that she was still alive and delay the discovery of the crime.
Investigators said fingerprint evidence recovered from the suitcase, along with closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage, linked the suspect to both the suitcase and the abandoned building where the body was found.
Despite the arrest and confession, the exact cause of Ross’s death remains unknown. Greek authorities said toxicology and post-mortem examinations are still pending and will determine how she died and whether additional factors contributed to her death.
Police have not established a definitive motive, although they are exploring all possible circumstances surrounding the incident.
Ross was widely known for her humanitarian work and regularly travelled to Greece to support refugees and homeless people. Investigators believe she may have met the suspect through her volunteer activities, but stressed that the investigation remains ongoing.
The case has attracted international attention as authorities continue efforts to establish the full circumstances surrounding the Scottish aid worker’s death.
