Cocaine in Russian Metropolitan's Car in Czech Republic Confirmed. Police Continue Investigation
Cocaine was indeed found in the car of Russian Orthodox Metropolitan Ilarion, who worked in the Czech Republic. This was confirmed by Czech police expertise.
Cocaine in Russian Metropolitan's Car in Czech Republic Confirmed. Police Continue Investigation
The vehicle of Russian Orthodox Metropolitan Ilarion, who operated on the territory of the Czech Republic, contained a banned substance. Laboratory analysis of the white powder found in his car confirmed the presence of cocaine. The information was reported by Deník N citing Czech police.
Police officers detained the clergyman on 24 May at a petrol station. During a search of the car, they discovered three bags of white powder. After two days, the Russian Church official was released without charges being brought and returned to Moscow.
Ilarion, who worked in Karlovy Vary, claims that Czech authorities put pressure on him. According to his account, they considered him an "agent of Moscow" and viewed the Russian Orthodox Church as a cover for Russian secret services.
Metropolitan Ilarion led the Foreign Ministry of the Moscow Patriarchate from 2009 to 2022. He had been considered a possible successor to Patriarch Kirill. In 2022, however, he was unexpectedly dismissed and transferred to Hungary, where he faced accusations of sexual harassment. In December 2024, he was moved to the Czech Republic.
The investigation into the drugs case continues. Source: Deník N
Source: Google News LV — Crime (lv)