Ukrainian prosecutors notify ROC metropolitan of suspicion in absentia

Metropolitan Aristarkh of Kemerovo and Prokopyevsk. Photo: Kuzbass Metropolia

The Cherkasy Regional Prosecutor's Office has issued a notice of suspicion in absentia to Metropolitan Aristarkh (Smirnov), head of the Russian Orthodox Church's Kuzbass Metropolia, accusing him of financing and materially supporting Russian military formations.

According to the prosecutor's office, since February 2022 the hierarch has used his religious authority to organize assistance for Russian servicemen. Investigators allege that he personally, as well as through subordinates, oversaw the transfer of equipment, vehicles, supplies, and humanitarian cargo intended for the needs of the Russian army.

Law enforcement authorities also accuse the metropolitan of organizing large-scale resource deliveries, fundraising campaigns, and special funds to finance military-related purchases. According to the investigation, the material resources provided were used by Russian armed formations during the occupation of Ukrainian territory.

The hierarch is currently based in Russia, so the notice of suspicion was issued in absentia. The investigation is being supported operationally by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) in the Cherkasy region.

Prosecutors noted that Part 3 of Article 110-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine carries a sentence of six to eight years' imprisonment, along with confiscation of property.

As the UOJ previously reported, the SBU issued a notice of suspicion in absentia to an ROC metropolitan.

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