Russian-American streamer Vitaly Zdorovetskiy is facing a long stint behind bars, with the controversial content creator still awaiting trial in the Philippines. Known for his prank and stunt videos posted on his VitalyzdTv channel, Zdorovetskiy has been facing the wrath of the Philippine authorities following his arrest in April 2025.
Boasting over 10 million followers on his YouTube channel, Zdorovetskiy recently made a comeback after an extended hiatus. Unfortunately, for him, it was a short-lived return as he only posted one video before being detained over a series of incidents at Bonifacio Global City - a business district in Metro Manila.
Zdorovetskiy streamed live on Kick, with his rap sheet including stealing a patrol motorcycle from a security guard, threatening to rob a woman in public, driving recklessly, stealing from a McDonald's kitchen, and more.
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If that wasn't enough, he apparently made derogatory comments and gestures toward a Boracay surfing instructor and told his fans to review-bomb the business.
After being labeled a 'flight risk' by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, his deportation is on hold due to his detention at the Bureau of Immigration Bicutan Detention Center in Camp Bagong Diwa.
As previously noted, Zdorovetskiy is likely being kept in some pretty harsh conditions, and he could be slapped with a minimum five-year sentence under Filipino law. The problem is, the law over there suggests that proof of action instead of malice could be enough to convict. As Zdorovetskiy literally filmed it for the world to see, the evidence is right there.
Dexerto reports how Russian Ambassador Marat Pavlov has denounced the streamer. Speaking at a press conference at the Russian Embassy’s May 8 Victory Day reception Pavlov reminded Russian nationals to adhere to the 'when in Rome, do as the Romans do’ saying: "They [Russian citizens] are obliged to be in conformity with the law of the country they are staying in."
While Pavlov admits that most Russians who visit the Philippines are 'really disciplined', he said that he hopes future tourists what be tarred with Zdorovetskiy's brush. Saying that the highly-publicized case could cause prejudice, he asked law enforcement to 'discreetly' handle future incidents and added: "It should be put and resolved in a quiet manner without so many publicity, that is my view."
Pavlov's views were shared by the Philippines’ President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., who directly condemned Zdorovetskiy's actions and said it made his 'blood boil'. Alongside Zdorovetskiy admitting guilt, his cameraman is also facing charges.
The Zdorovetskiy incident comes after 'nuisance streamer' Johnny Somali faces up to 36 years in jail for his own antics in South Korea. We're not sure what these streamers are thinking, but as governments around the world keep reiterating, their behavior won't be tolerated.