Controversial Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy will serve his sentence in the Philippines if convicted, according to Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla.
Photo: Vitaly/Kick
In a press release by DILG, Jonvic confirmed that Vitaly is set to face trial for three counts of unjust vexation with a possible jail time of three months to one year if found guilty.
“We will serve his sentence, sinigurado ko po ‘yun (I made sure of that),” Jonvic asserted.
In April 2025, the Russian YouTuber was arrested in Pasay City for causing public disturbances in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) while filming content. In a now-deleted vlog posted to his Kick account, he was seen playing pranks on Filipino passersby, riding a patrol motorcycle, stealing an industrial fan from a restaurant, and repeatedly snatching a security guard’s cap, among other antics.
The Local Government Secretary also stated that the vlogger cannot be deported to Russia, his home country, nor to the United States, where he holds a green card. Both Russia and the U.S. have expressed disinterest in taking custody of the controversial figure.
“Hindi namin alam kung saan siya papauwiin eh (We don’t know where to deport him),” he said.
Previously, the vlogger pleaded for his charges to be dropped due to “mental health issues.”
If proven guilty, Vitaly may serve up to 18 months in the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) facility.
Meanwhile, his local cameraman would also receive criminal charges. The videographer, who goes by the name “Skylane,” has been charged with unjust vexation in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (RA 10175), as well as violations of the Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act (RA 995).
In a press conference held in April, the DILG secretary reminded everyone to be more mindful and more responsible for what they post online, warning that actions have consequences.
“People have to take responsibility for the content they create. It is not a license to shame, berrate, or bismerch anyone on social media… Kung gusto niyong pagkakitaan ang katarantaduhan niyo, handa kayong pagbayaran ‘yon (If you want to profit from your foolishness, then be prepared to pay the price for it),” he said.
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