Latest news with #Zdorovetskiy
Express Tribune
22-06-2025
- Express Tribune
YouTuber Vitaly posts bail after arrest for pranks in the Philippines, returned to immigration custody
Russian-American YouTuber Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, known for his controversial prank content, has posted bail after being arrested in Pasay City for harassing Filipinos. Despite being granted temporary liberty by the Taguig City Regional Trial Court Branch 153 on June 18, he remains under the custody of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) due to a pending deportation case. Photo: BI Zdorovetskiy, who faced charges of unjust vexation and other offences, was previously held by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology from June 11. After the court allowed him to post bail, he was transferred back to the BI facility at Camp Bagong Diwa. BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado confirmed that the vlogger will not be allowed to move freely and will remain in detention. "He will not be allowed to roam around as he is already seen as an undesirable alien," Viado stated. Although Zdorovetskiy filed for temporary liberty, promising to stay within Metro Manila and not evade deportation, his request does not exempt him from BI custody. The vlogger was apprehended on April 2 following multiple public disturbances in Bonifacio Global City. In a now-viral Kick video titled 'Vitaly disturbing the peace in the Philippines,' he was seen impersonating a police officer, forcibly filming civilians, mocking a security guard with pop lyrics, and causing minor traffic incidents while driving a tricycle. Deportation proceedings are on hold until his local legal issues are resolved and any sentence is served.
Hindustan Times
21-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
‘Justice will be served' to those Filipinos who were harassed by Russian prankster, Vitaly Zdorovetskiy
Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, a Russian-born prankster and YouTuber, is back in the custody of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in the Philippines after briefly being transferred to a local jail facility to face charges. Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, a Russian prankster, is back in the Philippines' Bureau of Immigration custody after facing charges for harassment.(Bureau of Immigration) Vitaly, who gained infamy for harassing a security guard and multiple bystanders in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig, was labelled an 'undesirable' foreign national by immigration authorities. Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado made it clear that Zdorovetskiy would remain under BI custody. 'He will not be allowed to roam around as he is already seen as an undesirable alien,' Viado stated in an official statement. ALSO READ| Vitaly Zdorovetskiy case: Here's what will happen to Russian YouTuber after deportation halt What did Vitaly do? Zdorovetskiy has been in the BI's custody since 3 April, when he was arrested at a hotel in Pasay City. His arrest followed a mission order issued by the Bureau of Immigration in response to viral videos showing his disruptive and offensive behaviour in public spaces. One of the videos, which circulated widely online, showed him harassing a security guard and several passersby in BGC. On June 11, he was temporarily transferred to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) to face multiple charges of unjust vexation filed before the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 153 in Taguig City. However, after posting bail, Zdorovetskiy was returned to the BI Warden Facility (BIWF) in Camp Bagong Diwa. 'Justice will be served to the fullest extent,' Viado said. 'Foreign guests are expected to follow the law during their stay in the Philippines. We will not allow them to abuse our hospitality and disrespect our people and our country.' Now, what's next for Vitaly Zdorovetskiy Zdorovetskiy faces three counts of unjust vexation. If convicted, he could be sentenced to up to 18 months in jail. Notably, a petition recently surfaced, accusing him of verbally assaulting a Filipino surfing instructor in Boracay. While his legal team claims Zdorovetskiy has shown signs of remorse and is a changed man after spending two months in detention, many remain unconvinced. His lawyer said the YouTuber is willing to seek forgiveness from his victims should he be released. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla stated that deporting Zdorovetskiy has proven difficult. Neither of the two countries, the US or Russia, wants to receive him, he clarified. ALSO READ| When will Vitaly Zdorovetskiy be released from Filipino prison? Breaking down what's happening with Russian YouTuber 'He will remain there for now in the Bureau of Immigration detention facility in Muntinlupa while he awaits his trial here. We will not deport him. He will be held accountable under the law here in the Philippines.'
Express Tribune
17-06-2025
- Express Tribune
Vitaly Zdorovetskiy shows weight loss after transfer to Philippine jail amid ongoing criminal charges
Russian content creator Vitaly Zdorovetskiy appears visibly thinner in new images released after his transfer to the Philippines' Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), The Philippine Star reported. The 33-year-old streamer remains in custody following a series of controversial incidents that led to his arrest in Pasay City on April 3, 2025. Vitaly's before and after being detained in the Philippines — FearBuck (@FearedBuck) June 16, 2025 According to The Philippine Star, the country's Bureau of Immigration confirmed on June 16 that Zdorovetskiy was moved to BJMP custody five days earlier. Photos published by the outlet show him in handcuffs, with some social media users noting a significant change in his appearance since his initial arrest. Zdorovetskiy faces multiple criminal charges after live-streaming several incidents in Bonifacio Global City, where he was seen harassing a security guard, disturbing an elderly woman, and allegedly stealing an electric fan and a tricycle — both later abandoned. He broadcast the footage on his now-deactivated Kick channel under the title, 'Vitaly DISTURBING THE PEACE in Philippines.' He requested bail, promising in writing to remain in the National Capital Region and comply with any deportation orders. However, Immigration Commissioner Joel Viado rejected the request, stating, 'Foreign nationals who abuse our hospitality and violate our laws must face the consequences. No special treatment will be given.' Earlier this month, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla disclosed that both Russia and the United States — where Zdorovetskiy holds a green card — declined to repatriate him. The BJMP will continue holding Zdorovetskiy until his criminal cases conclude, after which the Bureau of Immigration will proceed with deportation proceedings.
Hindustan Times
17-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
Vitaly Zdorovetskiy's fans worried after new photo reveals massive weight loss in prison, ‘Completely different person'
Fans of Russian YouTuber Vitaly Zdorovetskiy have expressed concerns after a new image surfaced online, showing him having visibly lost weight. Zdorovetskiy was arrested in the Philippines, and faces several criminal charges. On April 3, he was taken into custody at a hotel in Pasay City after an order was issued declaring him an 'undesirable" foreign national. A post doing the rounds on X revealed a before-and-after image of Zdorovetskiy. In the new photo, he looks thin and sickly, and appears to be in poor health. 'Fans of streamer and YouTube legend Vitaly are worried about him after this new image appeared online comparing Vitaly before and after he was detained in the Philippines for filming disruptive pranks on the natives,' the post is captioned. Fans expressed their concerns in the comment section of the above post, with one user saying, 'Yeah that's not good.' 'Damn he went from being on steroids to barely being on breakfast,' one user wrote, while another said, 'This is getting crazy. Someone put in a call to @SecRubio'. 'Looks like a completely different person,' one user exclaimed, while another wrote, 'Jail food leans ya out apparently'. One commented, 'Holy smokes, man life is crazy'. Zdorovetskiy is facing charges including unjust vexation, alarm and scandal, and attempted theft. He has been accused of harassing Filipino citizens in public spaces during his livestreams. Philippines Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla previously said that Zdorovetskiy was taken into custody for alleged acts he committed during his stay. Some of his acts were captured on video and circulated online. 'He will remain there for now in the Bureau of Immigration detention facility in Muntinlupa while he awaits his trial here. We will not deport him. He will be held accountable under the law here in the Philippines,"Remulla said.
Time of India
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Vitaly Zdorovetskiy: Russian-American Youtuber jailed in Philippines, globally unwelcome
Vitaly Zdorovetskiy , known to millions as 'VitalyzdTv,' has long been infamous for his outrageous pranks and viral stunts. But in 2025, the Russian-American YouTuber's penchant for controversy reached a breaking point, getting detained in the Philippines, rejected by both Russia and the United States, and facing a future more uncertain than ever. Born in Russia in 1992, Zdorovetskiy moved to the U.S. as a child and rose to fame with prank videos that often pushed the boundaries of legality and taste. His YouTube channel amassed over 10 million subscribers, with content ranging from fake bomb scares to pitch invasions at major sporting events. His early life was marked by odd jobs and even a brief stint in adult entertainment. Crimes and arrests Vitaly Zdorovetskiy's career has been marked by a series of high-profile arrests and criminal charges, both in the United States and abroad. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Container Houses Indonesia (Prices May Surprise You) Container House | Search ads Search Now Undo 2014 FIFA World Cup Final Arrest (Brazil): In July 2014, Zdorovetskiy invaded the field during the FIFA World Cup Final between Germany and Argentina in Brazil. His stunt garnered global media attention and resulted in his arrest by Brazilian authorities for trespassing on the pitch during one of the world's most-watched sporting events. Live Events May 25, 2016 – Hollywood Sign Trespassing: Zdorovetskiy was arrested for trespassing after climbing onto the iconic Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles as part of a video stunt. He spent about an hour vlogging from the sign before being detained by park rangers and released on bail. He faced potential fines and up to six months in county jail for the misdemeanor, as the site is closed to the public and protected by law enforcement. June 10, 2016 – NBA Finals Streaking Arrest: Just weeks later, on June 10, 2016, Zdorovetskiy was arrested again for streaking during Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors. The high-profile stunt led to his immediate arrest for trespassing and disrupting a major sporting event. 2017 World Series Arrest (Houston, USA): On October 29, 2017, Zdorovetskiy was arrested after running onto the field at Minute Maid Park during Game 5 of the 2017 World Series, shortly after a home run by Carlos Correa of the Houston Astros. He was taken into custody for trespassing and disrupting the game. 2020 – Aggravated Battery Arrest : In 2020, Zdorovetskiy was arrested for aggravated battery in Miami Beach, Florida, following an alleged unprovoked attack on a female jogger. He was booked and released on bond. This incident drew significant media attention and criticism. 2025 – Arrest and Multiple Charges in the Philippines: His most serious legal troubles began in April 2025, when he was arrested in the Philippines after livestreaming a spree of disruptive and criminal acts in Manila's Bonifacio Global City. The charges include: Harassing and attempting to kiss security guards Attempting to grab a security guard's firearm Stealing a patrol motorcycle, an electric fan, and a tricycle Threatening to rob a woman in public Trespassing and recording people without consent Fabricating negative reviews about local businesses Vandalism, unjust vexation, burglary, theft, and alarm and scandal He faces up to 24 years in prison in the Philippines, with five separate charges that could each result in a minimum of five years if convicted. His deportation has been blocked as both Russia and the United States have refused to accept him, leaving him to face trial and potential jail time in the Philippines. Neither Russia nor America will take him The fallout from his actions has been severe. Philippine authorities declared him an 'undesirable foreign national' and sought to deport him, but both Russia and the United States refused to accept him. Russia has reportedly 'disowned' Zdorovetskiy, with officials stressing that he must face justice in the Philippines and warning Russian tourists to respect local laws. Meanwhile, as a U.S. green card holder—not a citizen—the U.S. also declined to intervene or accept his return. 'Our problem is that Russia is not accepting him, neither does the US where he is a green card holder. So we don't know where to send him,' said Philippine Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla With no country willing to claim him, Zdorovetskiy remains in detention in Manila, awaiting trial and possible imprisonment.
