Arrested Russian YouTuber Vitaly awaiting deportation proceedings

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'The Philippines welcomes visitors from all over the world, but those who abuse our hospitality and violate our laws will be held accountable,' says Immigration Commissioner Joel Viado

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has arrested controversial Russian YouTuber Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, who is awaiting deportation proceedings, following public outrage over his viral video harassing Filipinos in Bonifacio Global City (BGC).

BI Intelligence Division Chief Fortunato Manahan, Jr. confirmed the content creator’s arrest on Thursday, April 3, stating that Zdorovetskiy was deemed an “undesirable foreign national” due to the disruptive and offensive behavior seen in his IRL video, DISTURBING THE PEACE in Philippines, with a devil emoji in its title.

The Russian has since been transferred to the BI’s detention facility at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City.

On Wednesday, April 2, BGC management confirmed that they were coordinating with authorities to address the incidents involving the social media personality and are pursuing “legal measures” against him.

The arrest was coordinated with the Philippine National Police (PNP) Makati and the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

A security guard in BGC reportedly filed a police blotter report with the PNP Southern Police District, citing harassment by the vlogger. This led to CIDG operatives working with BI intelligence officials to issue a mission order for his apprehension.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said in a statement that while the country is known for its hospitality, foreign visitors are expected to respect local customs and obey the law.

“The Philippines welcomes visitors from all over the world, but those who abuse our hospitality and violate our laws will be held accountable,” Viado said.

“Harassment and disruptive behavior have no place in our society, and we will take swift action against offenders.”

“Foreign visitors are expected to be in good behavior during their stay in the Philippines,” BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said in a statement to the Philippine News Agency following the arrest.

“We are a very hospitable country, with some of the nicest, kindest people. Hence, visitors are expected to reciprocate this and follow laws during their stay here.”

Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, known for controversial publicity stunts, has over 10 million YouTube subscribers. His latest BGC video showed him riding a patrol motorcycle without permission, stealing a security guard’s cap, threatening to rob a woman and then cursing at her, forcibly filming security personnel, and stealing an electric fan from a restaurant.

He was arrested in 2016 for illegally climbing the Hollywood sign and jailed in 2020 for scaling the Pyramids of Giza. – Rappler.com