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Russian Vlogger Vitaly To Be Deported From PH
Screengrab from DILG
Controversial Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy is finally set to be deported back to his home country after being held in the Philippines for nearly a year over harassment-related charges.
Vitaly, 33, who is known for his prank and stunt videos, was arrested in April 2025 in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig, after a livestream showed him harassing security guards and members of the public. His actions sparked public outrage and complaints, leading to his detention as an undesirable foreign national.
For months, he remained in custody while facing several charges, including unjust vexation, which penalizes acts that cause unnecessary annoyance or harassment. His attempts to seek bail or have the charges dropped were rejected, despite claims of mental health concerns.
The process of deporting Vitaly proved complicated. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla explained:
“Ang problema kasi namin, ang Russia, hindi siya tinatanggap, ang US naman, green card holder siya, hindi rin siya tinatanggap, so hindi namin alam kung saan siya papauwiin eh.”
Initially, neither Russia nor the United States — where Vitaly also holds a green card — would accept him, leaving Philippine authorities unsure of his destination. But on January 15, 2026, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) announced that a deportation order has finally been issued. Bureau of Immigration officials confirmed that his flight will depart from Kalibo, Aklan, and head directly to Moscow, once all legal obligations in the Philippines are cleared.
Vitaly’s case has drawn attention nationwide, serving as a reminder that respect for local laws and decency applies to everyone, including foreign visitors and online personalities. Authorities hope that this high-profile deportation will deter others from testing the boundaries of the law for online content.
As of now, it remains unclear whether Vitaly will face additional penalties abroad or if all legal matters in the Philippines are fully resolved prior to his departure.
Vitaly, 33, who is known for his prank and stunt videos, was arrested in April 2025 in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig, after a livestream showed him harassing security guards and members of the public. His actions sparked public outrage and complaints, leading to his detention as an undesirable foreign national.
For months, he remained in custody while facing several charges, including unjust vexation, which penalizes acts that cause unnecessary annoyance or harassment. His attempts to seek bail or have the charges dropped were rejected, despite claims of mental health concerns.
The process of deporting Vitaly proved complicated. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla explained:
“Ang problema kasi namin, ang Russia, hindi siya tinatanggap, ang US naman, green card holder siya, hindi rin siya tinatanggap, so hindi namin alam kung saan siya papauwiin eh.”
Initially, neither Russia nor the United States — where Vitaly also holds a green card — would accept him, leaving Philippine authorities unsure of his destination. But on January 15, 2026, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) announced that a deportation order has finally been issued. Bureau of Immigration officials confirmed that his flight will depart from Kalibo, Aklan, and head directly to Moscow, once all legal obligations in the Philippines are cleared.
Vitaly’s case has drawn attention nationwide, serving as a reminder that respect for local laws and decency applies to everyone, including foreign visitors and online personalities. Authorities hope that this high-profile deportation will deter others from testing the boundaries of the law for online content.
As of now, it remains unclear whether Vitaly will face additional penalties abroad or if all legal matters in the Philippines are fully resolved prior to his departure.
Jan 15, 2026
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