MANILA, Philippines — In a bizarre turn of events, Russian-American YouTuber Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, known for his controversial pranks, was arrested for allegedly harassing Filipinos in Bonifacio Global City (BGC). The 33-year-old vlogger, who boasts over 10 million subscribers on his YouTube channel, was presented in a press conference on April 7, 2025, by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla.
During the press briefing, Zdorovetskiy, clad in an orange prison uniform and handcuffed, made headlines again by snatching the hat of a police officer and flashing the “L” sign, a gesture that many interpreted as disrespectful. This incident followed a series of alarming actions by Zdorovetskiy, including attempting to rob a woman and harassing security guards, which had already drawn the ire of the local community.
On April 3, Zdorovetskiy was apprehended after a series of disruptive pranks that involved grabbing a security guard's hat and threatening to seize the guard's firearm. These actions were part of what he described as “pranks” but were met with outrage from the public. The Bureau of Immigration (BI) quickly classified him as an "undesirable alien," indicating that his behavior was not only unacceptable but also illegal under Philippine law.
In light of these events, BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval emphasized that while foreign content creators are welcome in the Philippines, they must respect local laws. “Foreign vloggers have no problem visiting, but what happened with Vitaly was not just vlogging — it involved criminal actions. He is now considered an undesirable,” Sandoval stated.
Zdorovetskiy’s antics did not stop with his arrest. He was reported to have stolen an industrial fan from a restaurant and even encouraged his followers to leave fake negative reviews on a local business, actions that further fueled public outrage. This led to BGC officials announcing their intention to pursue legal action against him.
Secretary Remulla expressed the importance of respecting Filipino dignity, stating, “This is important for us because Filipinos respect the surroundings of whatever countries they travel to. Now, a Russian-American comes to the Philippines and belittles us. He belittled our laws.” He pointed out that Zdorovetskiy’s actions could not be tolerated and called for stronger regulations against disruptive content creators.
Moreover, the DILG Secretary revealed that Zdorovetskiy would not be deported immediately but would remain in custody to face the consequences of his actions. “He will be placed under the custody of the Bureau of Immigration as an undesirable alien,” Remulla confirmed. This decision reflects a commitment to upholding the law and ensuring that Zdorovetskiy is held accountable for his actions.
Remulla also called for a modification of the cyberlibel law to prevent similar incidents in the future. “We’ll suggest to lawmakers in the next congress if they can tighten the law, and not make the interpretation too conservative. When they see that it’s at the expense of others, at the expense of Filipinos, and they’re making money off of it, they should be held accountable,” he stated.
As the public continues to react to Zdorovetskiy’s behavior, the incident has sparked a broader conversation about the responsibilities of content creators, especially those from abroad. The BI has reiterated that while the Philippines is known for its hospitality, there is zero tolerance for harassment and disruptive behavior.
In addition to his arrest in BGC, Zdorovetskiy has faced further allegations of harassment in Boracay, where he reportedly made vulgar, degrading remarks towards a Filipino instructor. This pattern of behavior has raised concerns about the impact of disruptive vloggers on local communities.
As Zdorovetskiy awaits the next steps in his legal proceedings, the Philippine government remains vigilant in its efforts to protect its citizens from harassment and to uphold the law. The DILG and BI are currently discussing how to proceed with his case, ensuring that justice is served.
The incident serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of irresponsible behavior, particularly in a foreign country where respect for local customs and laws is paramount. As the situation unfolds, many are left wondering how it will affect the future of foreign content creators in the Philippines.
In summary, Zdorovetskiy’s actions have not only drawn public ire but have also prompted calls for legal reform to better regulate the conduct of vloggers in the Philippines. The government’s response highlights the importance of maintaining public safety and respecting the rights of all individuals, regardless of their nationality.
