Russian Vlogger Deported from Philippines, Immigration Officials Resign Over Bribery Incident
Russian-American vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy was officially deported to Russia on Saturday, January 17, 2026, after being declared an undesirable alien by Philippine authorities. The Bureau of Immigration (BI) confirmed his deportation following multiple incidents of harassing Filipino citizens and disrupting public order.
Blacklisting and Legal Consequences
Immigration officials stated that Zdorovetskiy's name has been added to the national blacklist, permanently barring his return to the Philippines. This decisive action comes after the controversial content creator faced legal consequences for his behavior during his stay in the country.
Bureau of Immigration Officials Resign Following Investigation
In a significant development, three Bureau of Immigration officials have resigned from their respective positions following allegations of bribery connected to Zdorovetskiy's detention. The resignations include a BI warden and two deputies who were overseeing detention facilities.
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro announced during a press conference that Malacañang has accepted the courtesy resignations. This action follows President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s direct order to investigate how Zdorovetskiy managed to film content while in detention.
Unauthorized Filming in Detention Facilities
Castro clarified the official position regarding detainee privileges: "We spoke directly with BI leadership, and they confirmed that allowing detainees to use phones was strictly limited to contacting their families. Filming content was never permitted, and the vlogger's video was completely unauthorized without any approval from facility authorities."
Background of the Controversial Vlogger
Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, widely known online as VitalyzdTv, is a Russian-American YouTuber and internet personality who gained global notoriety for producing extreme prank videos, dangerous stunts, and viral content. His channel first achieved popularity through outrageous and often shocking pranks that frequently went viral worldwide.
Arrest and Detention Timeline
The controversial vlogger was initially arrested in the Philippines in April 2025 after a series of livestreamed incidents and viral videos that generated widespread public outrage. His actions were documented harassing Filipino citizens and violating multiple local laws.
After serving approximately nine months in detention and completing all required penalties for his legal cases, Zdorovetskiy was formally deported to Russia in January 2026. The immigration blacklist ensures he cannot return to Philippine territory.
Post-Deportation Revelations and Bribery Admissions
Following his deportation, Zdorovetskiy took to social media to share details about his experience in Philippine detention. He described various hardships and offered personal reflections on his time in custody.
Most significantly, the vlogger admitted he was able to document his detention experience by paying jail guards. This bribery arrangement allowed him to bring his mobile phone into the cell facility, directly contradicting official detention protocols.
The combination of the deportation and subsequent resignation of immigration officials highlights the serious consequences of violating Philippine laws and detention regulations. This case serves as a strong reminder about the importance of respecting local customs and legal systems while visiting foreign countries.
