Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy has been formally deported from the Philippines after being declared an undesirable alien by the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
The BI confirmed that the 33-year-old content creator boarded an IrAero flight bound for Irkutsk, a major city in Siberia, Russia, on Saturday, January 17. His deportation was ordered by the BI Board of Commissioners on December 17 following multiple complaints related to harassment and disruptive behavior toward Filipinos.
According to immigration authorities, the deportation stemmed from several viral incidents involving Zdorovetskiy, who is known for creating prank videos on social media. In circulated clips, he was seen harassing a security guard, shouting profanities at a masked Filipina, stealing a heavy-duty electric fan, and riding a tricycle that later crashed into a parked jeepney—acts that authorities said endangered public safety and disturbed public order.
Zdorovetskiy was initially arrested in April last year and later detained at the BI Warden’s Facility inside Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig, after admitting to the acts during inquest proceedings. His application for bail was denied.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado confirmed that the vlogger’s name has been placed on the BI blacklist, barring him from reentering the country.
“The country warmly receives guests from all nations, but respect for our laws is non-negotiable. Those who engage in harassment or disruptive acts undermine public order and will be swiftly sanctioned,” Viado said.
The BI reiterated that while the Philippines remains open to foreign visitors, it will not tolerate violations of local laws or acts that disrespect Filipinos.
Zdorovetskiy’s controversial history extends beyond the Philippines. He has previously been arrested overseas for publicity stunts, including illegally climbing the Hollywood sign in Los Angeles in 2016, scaling one of the Pyramids of Giza in 2020, and being charged with aggravated battery in Miami after allegedly assaulting a woman who was jogging.