BI issues warning to foreign vloggers after Vitaly Zdorovetskiy's incident

Following the recent incident involving Russian-American content creator Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, who staged disruptive pranks in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), the Bureau of Immigration (BI) has issued a reminder to foreign content creators planning to visit the Philippines.

Zdorovetskiy, known for his controversial pranks, was accused of harassing security guards, stealing an industrial fan from a restaurant, and even threatening to rob a woman — all as part of his so-called “pranks.” In light of these actions, the BI has classified him as an "undesirable alien."

Bureau of Immigration spokesperson Dana Sandoval clarified that foreign content creators are still welcome to visit the Philippines, but they must adhere to the country’s laws.

“Foreign vloggers have no problem visiting, but what happened with Vitaly, a Russian vlogger, was not just vlogging — it involved criminal actions. He is now considered an undesirable,” Sandoval said in an Interview.

Zdorovetskiy, 33, was apprehended in coordination with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP). He has since been detained at the BI facility inside Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig, awaiting deportation proceedings.

As part of his deportation, Zdorovetskiy will be blacklisted from re-entering the country.

In addition to Sandoval’s comments, BI Intelligence Division (BIID) chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. emphasized that the arrest is part of the government’s efforts to maintain public safety and uphold President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of Filipinos.

Although Filipinos are known for their hospitality, BI Commissioner Atty. Joel Anthony Viado reminded foreign visitors that they must respect Philippine laws and local customs.

“The Philippines welcomes tourists from around the world, but we will take swift action against those who violate our laws and abuse our hospitality. Harassment and disruptive behavior have no place in our society,” Viado stated.