The man accused of murdering British aid worker Elisabeth-Jane Ross in Athens reportedly posted a series of Facebook messages criticising Christian charities and non-governmental organisations before his arrest.
Sharif Ahmadzai, 26, appeared before an Athens court on Wednesday in connection with the death of the 38-year-old Scottish aid worker, whose body was discovered inside a suitcase in an abandoned building in the Greek capital on July 18. The case remains before the Greek courts.
According to reports, Ahmadzai, who was born in Afghanistan and later settled in Greece, converted to Christianity after meeting his American-born wife, Alaina Hall. Together, the couple founded the charity Love Every Nation, which supports refugees and homeless people in Athens.
Criticism of NGOs
In a series of Facebook posts dating back to last year, Ahmadzai accused some Christian organisations operating in Greece of exploiting volunteers and refugees for financial gain.
He claimed some NGOs charged volunteers large registration fees, overcrowded accommodation, and misused donations intended to support vulnerable people. He also shared images promoting the slogan “Boycott corrupt NGOs” and referred to his experience volunteering as a translator at the Moria refugee camp on Lesvos between 2016 and 2019.
Police investigation
Greek police arrested Ahmadzai following an investigation conducted in cooperation with the UK’s National Crime Agency and Police Scotland. Investigators allege CCTV footage shows him transporting a suitcase through central Athens, while authorities also claim he admitted moving Ms Ross’s body and withdrawing money using her bank cards, although he has denied murdering her.
The investigation reportedly intensified after Ms Hall alerted police to what she described as her husband’s suspicious behaviour and shared information that helped investigators trace his movements.
Tributes to Elisabeth-Jane Ross
Ross, originally from Edinburgh, had spent years volunteering in Greece with organisations supporting refugees, homeless people and other vulnerable groups. Friends and church leaders have remembered her as a compassionate woman with a deep commitment to helping others.
In a statement, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said it was providing consular support to Ross’s family while remaining in contact with the Greek authorities. Police Scotland also confirmed it was assisting the family during the investigation.