A Russian vlogger who angered the public by harassing Filipinos in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) is now in custody at the Bureau of Immigration (BI) awaiting deportation.
Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, 33, was arrested and detained at the BI facility in Camp Bagong Diwa after a controversial livestream went viral on April 1. In the video, he was seen grabbing a security guard’s hat, trying to take another guard’s gun, and threatening to rob a woman.
“Harassment and disruptive behavior will not be tolerated in our society, and offenders will face swift consequences,” said BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado in a statement on Thursday.
“Our laws are designed to protect Filipinos. While we welcome visitors, those who disrespect our people or break our laws will be held accountable,” he added.
Zdorovetskiy, known for his prank videos on YouTube where he has over 10 million subscribers, is now labeled an “undesirable foreign national.” His mugshot shows him smiling despite the situation.
“The Philippines welcomes tourists from around the world, but those who abuse our hospitality and violate our laws will face the consequences,” Viado emphasized.