Afghan national arrested after Brit found dead in suitcase in Greece | World | News

A man understood to be an Afghan national has been arrested after a Scottish woman’s body was found inside a suitcase in Greece. Elisabeth Jane-Ross’s body was discovered in the suitcase by a homeless man in a derelict building in the Kypseli area of Athens on July 18.

The 38-year-old is believed to have died between five and seven days before she was found, though someone was reportedly using her mobile phone to send messages purporting to be from her. The 26-year-old man, who Greek police said was a foreigner and who the BBC has reported to be from Afghanistan, was arrested after confessing on Thursday.

Ms Ross, who is understood to be from Edinburgh, arrived in Greece on June 26 and initially stayed with friends in Piraeus. She is then said to have travelled to meet American friends in another part of the Greek capital, although it is unclear if this ever happened.

Police identified the victim using fingerprints before analysing video footage to track down the suspect.

The 26-year-old man is believed to have put her body in a suitcase before taking it to the abandoned site where it was found.

In the following days, he is said to have used her bank card to withdraw money.

Authorities found a replica pistol and knife at his home and have filed a case against him for manslaughter, robbery and violation of weapons laws.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office said in a statement: “Our thoughts are with Elisabeth’s family during this difficult time.

“We are providing consular support and are in contact with the local authorities.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson added: “We are aware of the death of a Scottish woman in Athens and are liaising with authorities in Greece.

“Officers are providing support to her family in Scotland.”