The SSU has exposed the leadership of the russian Orthodox Church on establishing private military companies in russia. On moscow patriarchate’s instructions, these PMCs are engaged in recruiting and training mercenaries for the war against Ukraine.

The investigation documented that one of these companies, St. Andrew's Cross, is operating on the basis of Kronstadt Naval Cathedral in St. Petersburg.

Within the religious institution, its representatives recruit parishioners for further inclusion in russia’s occupation groupings on the front line in Ukraine.

When selecting ‘candidates’, preference is given to men who have already served in the aggressor’s military units and have combat experience.

After being enrolled to the moscow church’s PMC, mercenaries undergo military tactical and firearms training under the guidance of instructors from russian special services.

The recruits are trained exclusively within the walls of the cathedral or at special training grounds.

The SSU also established that such PMCs are financed by representatives of russian kremlin-affiliated financial and industrial groups. The money goes to the accounts of the russian Orthodox Church as charitable contributions and donations for the ‘construction’ of churches.

Based on the documented facts, the SSU is acting to establish all the circumstances of the uncovered criminal activity and bring the involved to justice.

Since the beginning of russia’s full-scale aggression, the SSU has initiated 68 criminal proceedings against representatives of moscow patriarchate’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC-MP), including 16 metropolitans.

Among the crimes investigated are 20 facts of high treason, collaboration and aiding the aggressor state.

Apart from that, the law enforcement agencies are investigating 18 proceedings on public incitement to religious hatred, sale of firearms and distribution of child pornography.

As a result of operational and investigative actions, 26 UOC-MP representatives have been served notices of suspicion, while another 19 offenders have already received court sentences.