Arrest made in case of British woman found in Kypseli

Greek authorities have arrested a 26-year-old Afghan national in connection with the murder of 38-year-old British citizen Elisabeth Jane Ross, whose remains were discovered inside a suitcase in an abandoned building in Kypseli, Athens, on July 18, 2026. The body, found in an advanced state of decomposition, was identified through fingerprints and cooperation with Interpol. The victim, a daughter of a Scottish lawyer, had arrived in Greece from Edinburgh on June 29, 2026.

The suspect allegedly claimed he found the woman already dead and hid her body to facilitate the theft of money from her bank cards, totaling 10,000 euros. Investigators linked him to the crime by tracking the victim's mobile phone, which he continued to use until it was deactivated after emitting a final signal from Arachova. Evidence, including video analysis and a connection to a religious community in Kypseli, led to the suspect's partner, also a British national, who initially provided a false alibi.

The suspect faces formal charges of intentional homicide, robbery, and violations of weapon laws, following the discovery of a replica pistol and a knife in his home. Investigations into the case remain ongoing under the jurisdiction of the Organized Crime Division.