Vorontsov, born in 1986, was detained as part of an investigation during which powdered substances were seized. According to the police, a medical examination confirmed the use of narcotic substances. Investigative actions are ongoing, and law enforcement is working to establish all participants and circumstances of this illegal activity.
Iakov Vorontsov previously held the position of hieromonk in the Astana and Almaty dioceses of the Russian Orthodox Church. In 2023, he drew public attention by criticizing the Russian special military operation in Ukraine and the actions of the leadership of the Russian Orthodox Church. After that, he was removed from service and stripped of his rank. A case was also initiated against him on charges of inciting hatred, but the investigation was terminated due to lack of evidence of a crime.
In recent years, Vorontsov has been active in attempts to create an Orthodox Church in Kazakhstan independent of the Moscow Patriarchate. He has twice appealed to the Ministry of Justice to register a religious organization, but both times he was denied. Recently, it became known that he decided to challenge this decision in court.
