Russian vlogger Vitaly to face charges, won't be deported

Russian vlogger Vitaly or Vitaly Zdorovetskiy in real life, was arrested in a hotel in Pasay City on April 3.This was after he filmed himself harassing Filipinos around Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.According to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Vitaly will not be deported and will face charges against him."Tapos na po ang mga dayuhan na kaya na lang lapastanganin ang mga Pilipino. Ito'y ehemplo na seryoso tayo na sa sariling bayan natin. Hindi tayo magpapabastos sa kanila," he said in a press conference on April 7.Vitaly is currently detained in a facility of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) after being tagged as an "undesirable alien" and a "flight risk."

Vitaly is a Russian vlogger known for his publicity stunts and pranks. In a video called "Disturbing the Peace in the Philippines" which was filed in Bonifacio Global City, Vitaly is seen harassing a security guard by attempting to kiss him. He also stole the hat of another security guard and even threatened to rob a passerby and insulted her for wearing a mask.

Vitaly also allegedly stole an electric fan from a restaurant and a motorcycle from a patrolman which he eventually crashed. Vitaly will face charges of unjust vexation, alarm and scandal, as well as theft and attempted theft. Vitaly is also facing a case for allegedly harassing a Filipino surfing instructor in Boracay and inciting his followers to leave fake negative reviews on a local business page.

This is not the first time that Vitaly has been arrested as he's had run ins with the law in the United States and Egypt. Vitaly was arrested in 2016 for trespassing at the Hollywood sign and for running naked at an NBA game. In 2017, he was arrested again for running onto the field during a baseball game.

Vitaly was detained for five days in Egypt after climbing the Pyramids of Giza. In 2020, he was arrested and later charged for aggravated battery by Miami Beach Police for assaulting a female jogger. His Kick account, which he uses to livestream, is currently down.

According to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, all of Vitaly's charges are bailable but the Bureau of Immigration has the right to detain the vlogger during the process of the hearing since he was tagged as an "undesirable alien." Secretary Remulla also estimates that the trial could take around two to three years, and that Vitaly may be incarcerated for a minimum of five years per guilty verdict..