Greek authorities are investigating the death of a Scottish woman whose body was found inside a suitcase in Athens. Elisabeth-Jane Ross, 38, was discovered on July 18 in a deteriorated building in the Kypseli neighbourhood, close to where she had reportedly planned to meet acquaintances from the United States. Police said they are trying to determine whether her death involved foul play.

Ross had been in Greece for approximately two weeks before her body was recovered. According to police, she told friends she would be meeting American friends in Kypseli just three days prior to her body being found. However, investigators have been unable to trace these individuals and have not confirmed whether the contacts existed or if she met them. A police source indicated that authorities remain uncertain about her movements after she was last seen in Keratsini, another area of Athens, and are actively seeking information about where she stayed during that time.

Officials suspect that someone used Ross’s mobile phone to send messages after her death, potentially to mislead those searching for her. Messages reportedly sent from her number on July 15 indicated she needed time alone. Another message was sent to a Greek friend she had been staying with, stating she planned to visit a Greek island, which police believe was sent after she had already died. Ross’s body was identified through Interpol fingerprint records.

A police spokesperson confirmed that no additional evidence has been found on Ross’s body or in the suitcase to identify any other individuals connected to the case. Toxicology tests are currently underway to establish the cause of death and whether criminal activity was involved. Authorities are focused on establishing the timeline and circumstances surrounding her final days.

Ross’s family expressed shock and grief over the incident. Her aunt, Anne Bangham, described her niece as a “beautiful, loving and kind young lady” and said the family struggles to come to terms with her death. She added that Ross had recently arrived in Greece for work.

The United Kingdom’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office stated that it is providing consular assistance to Ross’s family and maintaining contact with local authorities. The investigation remains ongoing as police continue to gather information about Ross’s last known contacts and the events leading to her death.