Former Priest Arrested in Almaty on Drug Den Charges

A court in Almaty has ordered the arrest of former clergyman Iakov Vorontsov for a period of two months. He is suspected of organizing a drug den and possessing illegal substances.

Vorontsov's defense lawyer requested that the court impose a preventive measure not involving isolation from society, such as house arrest or bail. The lawyer stated that his client requires medical attention due to a chronic illness.

The prosecution insisted on custody, arguing that Vorontsov could flee the investigation, destroy evidence, or influence witnesses. The court sided with the prosecution, rejecting the defense's petition for house arrest and granting the prosecutor's request for detention.

The press service of the Almaty City Court declined to provide details of the arrest, citing secrecy of the investigation under Article 201 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

According to police reports, a man born in 1986 was detained on suspicion. During search operations, powdery substances were seized. A medical examination confirmed he had used narcotics. The investigation into organizing a drug den is ongoing, with authorities working to identify all involved persons and circumstances of the illegal activity.

Who is Iakov Vorontsov?

The clergyman gained public attention in February 2022. At that time, Patriarch Kirill, head of the Russian Orthodox Church, instructed all ROC priests worldwide to include prayers for victory in church services. Vorontsov joined 292 other Orthodox clergy in signing an open letter calling for peace in Ukraine.

In 2023, he was suspended from service, and in 2024 he was defrocked (deprived of his clerical rank).

Also in 2024, a criminal case was initiated against Vorontsov under Article 141 of the Criminal Code ("Incitement of national hatred"), but the investigation was later terminated due to lack of evidence of a crime.