YouTube star trapped in Filipino prison begs for release after authorities vowed to ‘make an example’ of him
The apologies of Vitaly Zdorovetskiy could be destined to fall on deaf ears, as the controversial prankster begs for forgiveness from a Filipino detention facility. Known for his YouTube channel of VitalyzdTv, the Russian-born content creator has made a name for himself with his prank videos. Having been arrested numerous times before, Zdorovetskiy's antics could finally be about to catch up to him after he was arrested in the Philippines on April 2, 2025.
Streaming live on Kick as he caused chaos in the Bonifacio Global City business district, Vitaly Zdorovetskiy's misdemeanours include allegations of threatening to rob a woman in public, stealing a patrol motorcycle from a security guard, stealing from a McDonald's kitchen, and stealing a firearm.
The YouTube star is supposedly being kept in harsh conditions that will likely include multiple inmates, a lack of air conditioning, and just $1.20 a day for three meals. It was originally expected that he could get a minimum sentence of five years when it eventually goes to trial. One Filipino lawyer has suggested that authorities might use a special penal code that only requires proof of actions instead of requiring proof of malice to earn a conviction.
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Even though Zdorovetskiy has a net worth that could be as high as $91 million, that won't help him if he's slapped with 24 years in a Filipino prison.
The Russian government has already denounced Zdorovetskiy, but appealing to someone's better nature, he's trying to show remorse while citing mental health issues for his actions.
Speaking to 24 Oras, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla explained how the YouTuber has made a plea for his freedom: "He wrote to me saying he is suffering from mental health issues and asking if the charges can be dropped. He apologized."
Still, the Department of the Interior and Local Government has reclarified that Zdorovetskiy will go to trial in a matter of days. His rap sheet includes three counts of unjust vexation thanks to complaints filed by police officers who claim to be his victims. Although not the lengthy sentence that was first predicted, he could face up to 18 months in a Filipino prison if convicted. Remulla reiterated: "We will service his sentence, sinigurado ko po ‘yun (I will make sure of that.)"
There's also a Change.org petition alleging the YouTuber verbally harassed a Filipino surf instructor while using vulgar and sexually degrading language.
After the Bureau of Immigration deemed Zdorovetskiy an 'undesirable alien' and a theft charge was dropped, the Taguig City Prosecutor’s Office pushed through with his trial under the unjust vexation complaints.
Despite Zdorovetskiy’s side wanting to settle privately with the officers involved, Remulla said: "Fortunately, the security guards were strong-willed, they didn’t give in, and we’re pursuing the case."
As neither Russia nor the United States wants to take Zdorovetskiy in, Remulla concluded: "So we don’t know where to send him."
For the time being, Vitaly Zdorovetskiy is still being detained at the Bureau of Immigration.