The investigation into the death of Scottish aid worker Elisabeth Jane Ross has continued to reveal new details, with Greek authorities identifying 26-year-old Afghan national Sharif Ahmadzai as the man suspected of killing the 38-year-old before allegedly concealing her body inside a suitcase abandoned in Athens.

Ross, known to friends and family as Lisa, was reported missing after relatives lost contact with her during what was supposed to be another humanitarian trip to Greece. Days later, on July 18, a homeless man made the grim discovery of her body inside a suitcase that had been left in an abandoned building in the Kypseli district of the Greek capital.

Police have since arrested Ahmadzai on suspicion of intentional homicide, robbery and weapons offenses. Investigators say he is expected to appear before an investigating magistrate, where formal charges are anticipated as the case moves through the Greek judicial system.

Authorities believe Ross died several days before her body was discovered. Initial examinations by the coroner were unable to establish a definitive cause of death because of the condition of the remains. However, more detailed forensic examinations later concluded that the death was the result of an apparent criminal act, with investigators believing she was likely asphyxiated.

The case has attracted international attention not only because of the disturbing circumstances surrounding Ross’ death, but also because of the background of the man accused of disposing of her body.

According to investigators, Ahmadzai arrived in Greece as a teenage refugee after fleeing Afghanistan. His personal story had previously been highlighted by humanitarian organizations as an example of survival following extraordinary hardship.

Family accounts describe how Ahmadzai’s father, an Afghan military commander, was killed during the conflict in Afghanistan. Years later, his mother and siblings reportedly died in a suicide bombing in Kabul, leaving him orphaned while still a teenager.

After those tragedies, Ahmadzai is said to have made the dangerous journey across Iran and Turkey before eventually reaching the Greek island of Lesbos during Europe’s refugee crisis.

His story was later featured in humanitarian material produced by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, which described his difficult journey from Afghanistan to Greece and his efforts to rebuild his life.

While living in Greece, Ahmadzai reportedly learned English, became involved in refugee support work and eventually converted to Christianity after meeting American volunteer Alaina Hall.

The couple later married and welcomed a child together.

Together they founded Love Every Nation Athens, an organization that worked with refugees and vulnerable people living in Greece. The ministry organized food distribution, support services and outreach efforts for migrants trying to establish new lives.

Police now believe that Ross may have become acquainted with Ahmadzai through those same humanitarian circles.

Ross herself had spent years volunteering with organizations supporting refugees and vulnerable communities.

Originally from Edinburgh, she had frequently traveled to Greece over the past several years to assist charities working with displaced families and migrants arriving from conflict zones.

According to investigators, Ross arrived in Greece on June 26 before initially staying in the Keratsini area of Piraeus.

She later relocated to an apartment in Athens where she continued volunteering with refugee support organizations.

Authorities say Ross told friends she planned to meet American acquaintances in the Kypseli area on July 15.

Investigators are now trying to determine exactly what happened after that meeting and whether her contact with Ahmadzai developed through mutual humanitarian work or another connection.

George Kalliakmanis, president of the Union of Police Officers of Southeast Attica, said detectives are carefully examining whether the suspect had legitimate access to the apartment where Ross had been staying.

Police are also attempting to establish whether the pair had met before her arrival in Athens this summer.

Investigators believe it is entirely possible that they crossed paths while volunteering with refugee organizations or through Ahmadzai’s involvement in local boxing programs.

One of the most significant pieces of evidence collected during the investigation has been surveillance footage captured by security cameras throughout Athens.

Police say the footage appears to show Ahmadzai wheeling a large suitcase through city streets during the night of July 16.

The suitcase is believed by investigators to have contained Ross’ body.

Authorities allege the video shows the suspect transporting the luggage before leaving it inside the abandoned building where it was later discovered.

Investigators have also reconstructed the suspect’s movements using additional digital evidence.

According to police, a location-sharing application used by Ahmadzai’s wife indicated that he had been at the apartment where Ross is believed to have died around the time investigators believe the killing occurred.

Police say the digital evidence has become an important part of the investigation alongside surveillance recordings and financial records.

Investigators further allege that Ross’ bank cards were used after her death.

Authorities believe thousands of euros were withdrawn from cash machines using her accounts before her body was discovered.

Police estimate withdrawals totaled approximately €10,000.

In addition to the financial transactions, investigators allege Ross’ mobile phone remained active after she died.

Authorities believe messages were deliberately sent to her relatives and friends in an attempt to create the impression that she was still alive.

According to investigators, the texts delayed concern among loved ones and complicated the initial stages of the missing person investigation.

Ahmadzai has denied murdering Ross.

However, according to police officials, he has admitted moving her body after claiming he discovered her already dead inside the apartment bathroom.

He reportedly told investigators that he panicked because he feared he would be blamed for her death.

Authorities say they do not accept that explanation.

Police believe the available forensic evidence, surveillance footage and financial activity point toward a deliberate effort to conceal the death while continuing to use Ross’ personal belongings.

Investigators have emphasized that Ahmadzai’s wife is not considered a suspect.

Instead, police credit her with providing information that proved valuable during the investigation.

Officials say she became concerned after noticing unusual behavior and suspicious movements by her husband.

She also reportedly shared location information that investigators later used to reconstruct the timeline leading up to Ross’ disappearance.

Searches of the family home also resulted in officers recovering what police described as a replica pistol and a knife.

Authorities have not publicly stated whether either item is connected to Ross’ death.

Investigators are also attempting to locate American friends Ross reportedly intended to meet shortly before she disappeared.

Police believe speaking with those individuals may help clarify her final known movements before investigators believe she encountered the suspect.

Meanwhile, tributes have continued to grow in both Greece and Scotland.

Flowers have been placed near the abandoned building where Ross’ body was discovered.

One handwritten message left at the memorial reads: “For Elisabeth, may you rest in peace and may your memory live on in the hearts of us all. With deepest sympathy and respect. You will not be forgotten.”

Back in Edinburgh, Ross has been remembered by members of her church community as someone whose faith inspired years of humanitarian work.

Pastor Peter Anderson of City on a Hill Church described Ross as a treasured member of the congregation who dedicated much of her adult life to serving others.

He said she possessed an extraordinary passion for missionary work and consistently sought opportunities to help vulnerable people across the world.

Speaking in a tribute shared online, Anderson said Ross had traveled extensively on humanitarian missions and touched countless lives through her kindness and compassion.

He called her death a heartbreaking tragedy for everyone who knew her.

As Greek authorities continue building their case, investigators remain focused on reconstructing Ross’ final days, establishing the motive behind the killing and determining every step that allegedly followed her death.

With Ahmadzai expected to appear before a magistrate, prosecutors are expected to present evidence including surveillance footage, financial records, digital data and witness testimony as they seek to prove that Ross’ death was the result of a deliberate homicide rather than the explanation offered by the suspect.

The investigation remains active as police continue interviewing witnesses, examining forensic evidence and working with international authorities in what has become one of Greece’s highest-profile homicide investigations involving a foreign national in recent years.