Russian vlogger Vitaly to be deported after serving his time

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January 15, 2026 | 3:17pm

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration confirmed on Thursday, January 15, that the Taguig City Regional Trial Court has resolved the criminal cases against Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, who has already served his penalty and may be deported in the coming weeks.

Speaking at a press conference, Immigration Legal Division Chief Arvin Cesar Santos said the agency is already coordinating with Russian authorities for Zdorovetskiy’s deportation. 

"Nag-issue na po ng deportation order against Vitaly Zdorovetskiy ng Board of Commissioners. Nakalagay po doon sa ating deportation order na ang pag pagdeport sa kanya ay subject to clearances ng NBI and saka ng courts kung saan siya nagkaroon ng kaso," he said. 

(The Board of Commissioners has already issued a deportation order against Vitaly Zdorovetskiy. The order states that his deportation is subject to clearances from the NBI and from the courts where his cases were filed.)

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla explained that while the vlogger resides in the United States as a green card holder, his deportation will be processed based on the passport of origin rather than the country of residence. 

In April 2025, authorities arrested Zdorovetskiy following a series of livestreamed stunts in Bonifacio Global City that involved harassment and theft. He was charged with unjust vexation, alarm and scandal, attempted theft and classified as an "undesirable foreign national" in the country.

Police said he targeted a security guard and an elderly woman, took items including an electric fan and a tricycle, and hurled insults at a Filipino wearing a face mask.

Remulla said the arrest should serve as a reminder to all foreign visitors in the Philippines that while they are welcomed and treated with due respect, they are also expected to comply with local laws — just as Filipinos are required to do when abroad.

"We have no ill feelings against Vitaly. He has served his time, he has shown his remorse, and he is now a free man when he goes back to Russia," he added. 

Zdorovetskiy remained under the BI's custody even after he posted bail for his criminal cases due to his deportation hearing. He previously stayed with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology before posting bail, which later resulted in a change in custody.  

The Russian vlogger was roughly detained for nine months after his arrest.