Greek police have arrested a 26-year-old Afghan man in connection with the investigation into the death of 38-year-old Scottish national Elizabeth Jane Ross, whose body was discovered inside a suitcase in an abandoned building in Athens.
According to police, the suspect is being questioned on suspicion of manslaughter, theft and violations of Greece’s weapons laws.
Investigators say surveillance camera footage indicates that the suspect transported the victim’s body to the location where it was later found on 18 July. Police also allege that he subsequently used the victim’s bank cards to withdraw money.
Police said the man has admitted moving the body but denied any involvement in the woman’s death, claiming he found her already deceased. Authorities say that account remains under investigation.
During a search of the suspect’s residence, officers recovered an imitation firearm and a knife, leading investigators to add an alleged weapons-law violation to the case.
Investigators also said the victim’s mobile phone remained active after her estimated time of death and that messages were sent to relatives and acquaintances in an apparent effort to create the impression that she was still alive. Police are examining whether the suspect was responsible for sending those messages.
Greek authorities stressed that the exact cause of death has not yet been established. The final autopsy and toxicology results are still pending, and investigators say the circumstances surrounding the case remain under active investigation.
