Controversial Russian prankster and YouTuber, Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, transferred to BJMP custody

• Controversial Russian YouTuber Vitaly Zdorovetskiy has been moved from Bureau of Immigration (BI) detention to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) as he faces multiple local criminal charges in the Philippines

• Zdorovetskiy will remain in BJMP custody until his local court cases are resolved, with his prior requests for temporary release on bail having been denied by authorities

• His arrest in April 2025 stemmed from a series of “undesirable and unlawful” actions for his online content, including charges of unjust vexation, alarm and scandal, and attempted theft, involving incidents like harassment, and attempted firearm seizure

• Zdorovetskiy’s deportation is complicated by reports that both his native Russia and the United States have refused to accept him, potentially meaning he would serve any future sentence within the Philippines if convicted

Controversial Russian YouTuber Vitaly Zdorovetskiy has been transferred to the custody of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), a development confirmed by the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

The move, which occurred on June 11, signifies a shift in Zdorovetskiy’s detention status as he faces criminal charges in the Philippines.

According to BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, the internet personality will remain under BJMP jurisdiction pending the resolution of the local cases filed against him.

Once these judicial proceedings conclude, Zdorovetskiy is slated to be returned to the BI for eventual deportation.

Earlier requests made by Zdorovetskiy for temporary release on bail have not been granted.

Commissioner Viado emphasized that this decision underscores the nation’s commitment to upholding its immigration laws, stating firmly that “foreigners who abuse our hospitality and violate our laws must face the consequences.”

He further reiterated that the Bureau is resolute in preventing its deportation processes from being undermined by “publicity tactics or legal maneuvering,” ensuring that “no special treatment will be given.”

Zdorovetskiy, widely recognized for his prank videos, was apprehended by Philippine authorities in April 2025 in Pasay City. His arrest stemmed from a series of actions deemed undesirable and unlawful, reportedly committed while creating content for his online platforms.

Investigations revealed multiple alleged incidents across Metro Manila, particularly in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig.

Among the reported transgressions, Zdorovetskiy faces charges including unjust vexation, alarm and scandal, and attempted theft.

Specific allegations involve harassing and attempting to kiss security guards, attempting to seize a security guard’s firearm, and unlawfully recording individuals without consent.

Furthermore, he is accused of stealing a patrol motorcycle, an electric fan from a restaurant, and a tricycle—all of which were reportedly later abandoned—and fabricating negative online reviews for local businesses, as well as engaging in acts of vandalism.

Philippine Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla previously stated that such behavior from foreign nationals would not be tolerated, stressing accountability under local laws.

Complicating his situation, Zdorovetskiy’s deportation process has encountered an unusual impediment.

Reports indicate that both Russia, his country of origin, and the United States, where he holds a green card, have declined to accept him.

This bilateral refusal suggests that Zdorovetskiy, if convicted, would likely serve any potential sentence within the Philippines.

Despite this, Zdorovetskiy has reportedly communicated his intention not to evade deportation, pledging to remain within the National Capital Region and offering to surrender to BI custody should a deportation order be officially issued.

The ongoing legal proceedings and Zdorovetskiy’s transfer to the BJMP underscore the Philippine government’s unwavering resolve to enforce its laws and maintain public order.

The BI continues to affirm that foreign nationals who engage in activities detrimental to public welfare will be held accountable, processed expeditiously, and removed from the country as circumstances warrant.

News, photos or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, such could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable.

In other news, a police staff sergent shot a civilian who later died on June 6, Brgy. Tuburan. According to Brigada news PH, the police officer approached the group of the victim and while talking to them, slapped one of them resulting to an altercation. He then allegedly fired a shot, which led people scampering away from the area. Thereafter, the suspect then went to a house where the victim was and shot him on the head.

Still in other news, former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III asserted that senator-judges in an impeachment court can only ask for clarifications and are not permitted to make motions. He cited the teachings of the late Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago about what senator-judges can do in an impeachment court. Sotto deemed the Senate’s decision to remand Vice President Sara Duterte’s articles of impeachment back to the House, based on a senator-judge's motion, as “flawed,” arguing only the defense and prosecution can file motions. Legal experts, including law school dean Chel Diokno, supported Sotto’s view, stating that judges in a court setting are meant to rule on motions, not file them, while the House prosecution seeks clarification on the remand.

Source: KAMI.com.gh