YouTube star trapped in 'jail hell' for 3 years as authorities vow to 'make an example' out of him
They say that if you can't do the time, don't do the crime. Unfortunately for one YouTuber, they could be learning this the hard way as they've been put in jail for three years to be made an example of. What's worse than this is the fact it isn't exactly the Ritz-Carlton of penitentiaries, with the young star finding themself imprisoned in the Philippines.
Russian-American streamer Vitaly Zdorovetskiy is best-known under his YouTube channel name of VitalyzdTv, where he's made a name for himself for his controversial pranks.
Zdorevetskiy has been arrested multiple times for his antics but currently finds himself incarcerated at the Bureau of Immigration Bicutan Detention Center (BI-Bicutan). He's been there since April 2, pending local cases that include 'unjust vexation', theft, and publicly harassing bystanders around Metro Manila while on his Kick livestreams.
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Zdorovetskiy is no stranger to run-ins with the law, but as explained by YouTuber Legal Mindset, he could be in for an uncomfortable ride for the next two to three years until he gets to trial. As the court system in the Philippines is backed up, it means Zdorovetskiy likely won't be seen for a long time.
He's previously been arrested for trespassing at the Hollywood Sign, for running onto the field at the 2017 World Series, and spent five days in an Egyptian jail when he climbed the Pyramids of Giza.
Refering to it as FAFO (f**k around and find out), Andrew Esquire explains how Zdorovetskiy will be stuck in a cell with multiple inmates, lacking air conditioned, subjected to temperatures of 97°F, and won't get special treatment. This means he'll get the same meals as everyone else, costing just $1.20 a day for all three.
Even after it goes to trial, it's speculated that he'll get a minimum sentence of five years, suggesting that he'll be detained in the Philippines for at least the next seven years.
If that wasn't bad enough, one Filipino lawyer suggested that authorities might use a special penal code that, instead of requiring proof of malice, the 'mere act' is enough to convict.
As Esquire points out: "They do not have to prove intent, they just have to prove that he did the action. If he did the action, he's guilty, so if he gets the special penal [code] just for doing the act, he's cooked."
Considering Zdorovetskiy recorded his actions, there should be plenty of evidence out there to prove that he did at least some of the things he's accused of.
On the lengthy rap sheet, allegations include attempting to kiss and grab a security guard, harassing an old woman, vlogging without a permit, attempting to seize a firearm, and more.
The final caveat is that Zdorovetskiy's behavior and the fact that he profited from it means it could lead to aggravated charges to punish him more severely. Esquire notes that even after waiting years for trial, and then a trial that could take years, Zdorovetskiy will then likely face years behind bars. Something tells us the VitalyzdTv channel might be quiet for a while.