Russian YouTuber Vitaly Zdorovetskiy Back in BI Custody...

Russian internet personality and YouTuber Vitaly Zdorovetskiy has been returned to the custody of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in the Philippines, just days after securing bail for a local court case.

The vlogger, known for his controversial and often offensive content, was transferred back to the BI Warden Facility at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City after posting bail before the Regional Trial Court Branch 153 on June 18. However, despite securing temporary release from local jail, Zdorovetskiy is far from a free man.

According to BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, Zdorovetskiy remains subject to an active deportation case. “Because he faces a deportation case, even if he files for bail for his local cases, he will still be returned to the custody of the BI,” Viado said in a statement released Friday. “He will not be allowed to roam around as he is already seen as an undesirable alien.”

Zdorovetskiy, 32, was arrested on April 2 in Pasay City following complaints from local residents who accused him of harassment and making disrespectful remarks toward Filipinos—allegedly for content on his YouTube channel. His arrest came after mounting reports that he had been deliberately provoking and mocking people in public places across Metro Manila in a bid to gain more views online.

The BI took custody of the Russian national and filed a deportation case against him, citing his behavior as grounds for his classification as an “undesirable alien.” However, he was temporarily transferred to the custody of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) on June 11 in order to face local charges, including unjust vexation.

Despite being granted bail by the court, the BI clarified that this does not affect the deportation case currently underway. Commissioner Viado emphasized that Zdorovetskiy will only be deported after the local judicial process is complete.

“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.”

Zdorovetskiy has long been known for his controversial brand of online content, which often features public pranks and stunts that many critics have labelled offensive or dangerous. His content, though popular with some online audiences, has also resulted in multiple legal troubles over the years in various countries.

His arrest and the subsequent deportation proceedings in the Philippines have drawn public attention, with many Filipinos expressing outrage over his actions. Clips circulating online allegedly show the Russian vlogger insulting locals and attempting to provoke reactions from unsuspecting bystanders in public spaces.

Officials said Zdorovetskiy would remain in the BI detention facility until his court cases are resolved and any resulting sentences are served. Only after these proceedings will the BI finalize his deportation.

So far, there has been no public statement from Zdorovetskiy or his legal counsel regarding the charges or his detention.

The BI reiterated its stance that the Philippines welcomes foreign visitors, but those who violate local laws or show blatant disrespect to Filipino citizens will be held accountable.

This case underscores growing concerns about foreign influencers and content creators exploiting local communities for viral fame. The BI has previously stated it is monitoring similar behavior from other foreign nationals to ensure that such incidents do not set a precedent for others to treat the country as a playground for online stunts at the expense of public dignity and safety.