FSB officials raided the St Petersburg flat, registered in the name of 44-year-old priest Maxim Mitrofanov, as part of a corruption investigation.

Fr Mitrofanov denies any involvement in the illicit drugs trade and will not face any charges, The Times reports.

He also denies knowing 22-year-old Italian man Caino Montanelii, who was apparently living in the flat and has been arrested.

Fr Mitrofanov has been suspended by the Russian Orthodox Church from his duties in Cherepovets and sent to a monastery in northern Russia.