A Russian Orthodox cleric was released without charge by Czech authorities after being detained in connection with a white substance discovered in his vehicle, according to reports from Reuters on May 26.
Metropolitan Hilarion, whose secular name is Grigory Alfeyev, had been stopped by police in the Czech Republic following an anonymous tip that led to a search of his car. Small containers of white powder were found during the operation, prompting his initial detention, though he was later freed after forensic analysis proceeded.
The cleric, who previously headed the Russian Orthodox Church's external relations department from 2009 to 2022, denied any involvement with the items. In a statement posted on his Telegram channel, he accused police of failing to follow proper procedures during the search.
"Forensic analysis had confirmed that the substance found in his car was a banned one and that the investigation was continuing," Hilarion stated on Tuesday, according to the report.
Shortly before his release, the Russian Foreign Ministry summoned the Czech charge d'affaires to protest the detention and demand his unconditional release, Interfax news agency reported.
Police from the National Drug Headquarters confirmed that the car search stemmed from an anonymous tip received earlier. A spokesperson declined to comment further on whether any substance was found or provide additional details, citing ongoing criminal proceedings.
Hilarion had been assigned to the Church of Saint Peter and Paul in Karlovy Vary, located in the northwest of the Czech Republic, as his place of ministry after earlier developments in his career.
According to Interfax, the Russian Orthodox Church relieved him of his duties as head of the Diocese of Budapest and Hungary in 2024 and granted him retirement. This followed accusations of sexual harassment and spending on luxury items, which meant he would no longer hold relatively senior positions in the church hierarchy.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions between Russian and Czech officials amid broader geopolitical strains. The Russian ministry's protest underscores Moscow's view that the detention was unjustified.
Czech police maintained that their actions followed standard protocol after receiving the tip, with no immediate confirmation of charges or further arrests reported at this stage.
Officials said the investigation remains active despite the cleric's release, leaving open the possibility of additional developments in the coming days.
Background on the cleric includes his long service in external church affairs before the 2024 retirement decision tied to the harassment claims and luxury spending allegations.
Residents in Karlovy Vary, a town known for its spa heritage, have not publicly commented on the matter, and no local reactions were immediately available.
The case draws attention to how anonymous reports can trigger law enforcement actions involving foreign nationals in the region.
Further updates are expected as the criminal proceedings advance, with both Russian and Czech sides maintaining their respective positions on the events.