Emilio L., a known figure in La Muela (Zaragoza), served as the Orthodox priest of a church frequented by Eastern European congregants. Despite his Aragonese origins, he claimed membership in the Sovereign Military and Hospital Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, Rhodes, and Malta, based on his association with a man he asserted was a descendant of the last Russian czar. This facade concealed the darker aspects of his activities, which were uncovered during an operation by the Guardia Civil in 2021.

The church, frequented by dozens of worshippers each week, became the focus of law enforcement after their canine units detected unusual substances during a search. This led agents to discover a significant cannabis cultivation operation hidden in the church's basement, alongside other evidence that suggested a potential smuggling operation linked to individuals named Darko, Sasa, and Zdravko. These findings raised concerns regarding the church's integrity and the priest's role in what appears to be a larger network involving organized crime.

The case highlights the unsettling intersection of community trust and criminal activity, as a revered religious leader has been implicated in serious drug offenses. As authorities further investigate, the implications for both the local community and the broader issues of drug trafficking in Spain will likely come under scrutiny, questioning the vulnerabilities that allow such operations to flourish under the guise of legitimate institutions.