During the detention, according to law enforcement information, a man born in 1986 was identified. During the search, powdery substances were discovered, and a medical examination confirmed his drug use. The police confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, and all circumstances and individuals involved in this activity are currently being clarified.
Iakov Vorontsov previously held the position of hieromonk in the Astana and Almaty dioceses of the Russian Orthodox Church. His name became known in 2023 after criticizing Russia's special military operation in Ukraine and the leadership of the Russian Orthodox Church. As a result, he was removed from service and defrocked. A criminal case was also initiated against him on charges of inciting hatred; however, it was closed due to lack of evidence of a crime.
In recent years, Vorontsov has been striving to establish an Orthodox Church in Kazakhstan independent of the Moscow Patriarchate. He has applied twice to the Ministry of Justice for the registration of his religious association, but both times he was denied. Recently, it became known that he has challenged this decision in court.
