The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has apprehended a 21-year-old Russian vlogger who went viral on social media after posting videos that triggered an HIV scare in Metro Manila.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado identified the foreign national as Nikita Chekhov, who was arrested inside a condominium building in Quezon City.

Chekhov arrived in the Philippines as a tourist on 15 January. Shortly after his arrival, he uploaded videos filmed at Bonifacio High Street, where he made alarming claims that he intended to spread HIV during his stay in the country.

The videos — believed to be created as “rage bait” content — sparked widespread concern and fear among residents and online users.

The arrest comes days after the deportation of Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy for committing undesirable acts in Bonifacio Global City, and the arrest of Estonian YouTuber Siim Roosipuu, who was declared persona non grata in Dumaguete City for posting disrespectful content involving minors.

Chekhov, a native of Taganrog in Rostov Oblast, Russia, arrived in the Philippines from Shanghai, China and has no known relatives in the country.

“These so-called rage-bait videos irresponsibly cause fear and panic among the public,” Viado said. “Foreign nationals who come to the Philippines to spread alarm, disrespect our people, or abuse our hospitality are not welcome and will face deportation.”

Chekhov has been placed at the BI detention facility pending deportation proceedings, similar to actions taken against other foreign nationals involved in undesirable activities.

The BI said it has coordinated the case with the Department of Health.