Russian vlogger now under BJMP custody

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

BI commissioner Joel Anthony Viado disclosed that Zdorovetskiy was moved to BJMP custody on 11 June in connection with local cases he faces in the Philippines. The foreign vlogger will remain with the BJMP until his court cases are resolved, after which he will be returned to the BI for deportation proceedings.

Viado said that Zdorovetskiy’s previous request for temporary release on bail was denied.

“This is not just a matter of administrative procedure — it is about protecting the integrity of our immigration laws,” Viado said, adding that foreigners “who abuse our hospitality and violate our laws must face the consequences.”

“The bureau is resolute; we will not allow our deportation process to be undermined by publicity tactics or legal maneuvering. No special treatment will be given,” Viado said.

In a document submitted to the BI, Zdorovetskiy reportedly asserted he has no intention of evading deportation and pledged to remain within the National Capital Region. He also promised to immediately surrender to BI custody if a deportation order is issued.

However, the BI stressed that Philippine law subjects foreign nationals who engage in acts detrimental to public order to deportation.

Zdorovetskiy, known online as “Vitaly,” gained notoriety and sparked outrage among netizens after posting videos of himself harassing Filipinos while filming in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

The vlogger, who has over 10 million YouTube followers, is known for his prank videos from his travels. He was apprehended by Philippine authorities in April for a series of alleged law-breaking stunts.