Vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy sent back to Russia – BI

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January 18, 2026 | 3:54pm

MANILA, Philippines — Detained Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy has been deported to Russia, the Bureau of Immigration said.

In a statement on Sunday, January 18, the bureau said Zdorovetskiy was deported on January 17 after boarding an IrAero flight bound for Irkutsk.

The bureau said his departure ended his nine-month detention, which began with his arrest in April 2024.

During inquest proceedings, immigration authorities said Zdorovetskiy admitted to acts of harassment. While he sought bail during his detention at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City, the bureau denied the request.

His deportation was ordered on December 17 after he was declared an “undesirable alien.” He was also placed on the immigration blacklist, barring him from reentering the Philippines.

What came before. Zdorovetskiy was arrested at a hotel in Pasay City on April 3, authorities said.

He faced accusations of unjust vexation, alarm and scandal, and attempted theft in connection with incidents involving the harassment of Filipinos during livestreams.

Authorities said one livestream showed him harassing a security guard and an elderly woman in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

He was also accused of stealing items, including an electric fan from a restaurant and a tricycle that was later abandoned on a road, as well as posting fake online reviews of local businesses and jumping onto a moving jeepney.

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