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Russian vlogger 'Vitaly' nabbed in Pasay for disruptive behavior in viral video
A Russian vlogger who allegedly harassed Filipinos during his livestream was arrested in a hotel in Pasay City on Wednesday, the Philippine National Police - Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said Thursday.
In a statement, the CIDG said content creator and streamer "Vitaly" was arrested after the Bureau of Immigration (BI) issued a Mission Order for Undesirability against him.
The CIDG said the Russian-American was arrested for violation of BI operations order on acts or omissions that constitute undesirability of foreign nationals in relation to the Philippine Immigration Act.
CIDG chief Police Major General Nicolas Torre III said the vlogger allegedly harassed Filipinos and displayed “disruptive behavior” during his livestream in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig City.
Vitaly’s videos went viral online as he drew flak for allegedly harassing and insulting Filipinos for content.
“His recent video filmed in BGC and viral online has sparked outrage due to his alleged disruptive and inappropriate behavior toward unsuspecting and friendly Filipinos,” the CIDG said.
The BI in a separate statement, said a BGC security guard reportedly filed a police blotter against Vitaly Zdorovetskiy before the Southern Police District for “harassment” that led to the issuance of the mission order.
The foreigner was turned over to the BI for documentation and proper disposition.
According to a report on GMA Integrated News’ Unang Balita, Vitaly was brought to a detention facility in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig.
“Vitaly has been transferred to the BI’s detention facility inside Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig, while awaiting deportation proceedings,” the BI said.
The vlogger is now tagged as an undesirable foreign national, according to the BI.
“Rest assured that your CIDG is steadfast in its fight against all criminals and violators of law, local or foreign nationals,” Torre said.
“We have read the online outrage and we coordinated with other authorities for proper actions against the subject. We cannot just let this incident pass, your CIDG means business,” he added.
BI commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said Vitaly’s arrest serves as a reminder that while the Philippines welcomes visitors, those who fail to respect its people and laws will face consequences.
“The Philippines welcomes visitors from all over the world, but those who abuse our hospitality and violate our laws will be held accountable,” he said.
“Harassment and disruptive behavior have no place in our society, and we will take swift action against offenders,” he added. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
