Russian Youtuber Zdorovetskiy transferred to BJMP

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

According to BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, Zdorovetskiy was turned over to the BJMP on 11 June and will remain in its custody while his legal cases are ongoing. Once resolved, he will be returned to the BI for deportation proceedings.

The BI noted that Zdorovetskiy had earlier requested temporary release on bail, submitting a written pledge stating he had no intention of evading deportation and promising to stay within Metro Manila.

However, Viado said the request is unlikely to be granted.

“Foreign nationals 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 statement.

Zdorovetskiy, known for his YouTube channel VitalyzdTv, was arrested in April after a video went viral allegedly showing him harassing and insulting Filipinos for online content. He currently faces local charges of unjust vexation, theft, and public harassment.