Head of Russian Orthodox Church in Czech Republic Detained with White Powder on Highway

Czech police detained Metropolitan Hilarion, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church in the Czech Republic, on a highway near Prague after discovering white powder in his vehicle. The arrest occurred as Hilarion was traveling from Karlovy Vary, where he irregularly serves at the Church of the Apostles Peter and Paul. Czech media outlet Deník N has previously reported on Metropolitan Hilarion's alleged connections to Russia's FSB intelligence service, accusations of abusing his assistant, and his involvement in discussions with Hungary's Orbán government regarding anti-Russian sanctions. The Russian Orthodox Church has maintained close ties to the Kremlin, and religious leaders from Russian Orthodox communities abroad have faced increased scrutiny since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.