Vitaly Zdorovetskiy is being deported to Russia after months of detention in the Philippines following a string of livestreamed incidents in Metro Manila and Boracay.
The YouTuber and prank content creator known as VitalyzdTV was arrested on April 2 after broadcasting a series of disruptive stunts on Kick. Philippine authorities detained him for alleged harassment and theft-like behavior captured on camera.
The incidents took place primarily in Bonifacio Global City, a major business district in Metro Manila. According to reports, Vitaly harassed members of the public while livestreaming and attempted to take a patrol motorcycle from a security guard. He also repeatedly grabbed a security guard’s cap and took an electric fan from a restaurant before bringing it into a hotel.
Other alleged incidents included jumping onto the roof of a moving jeepney while recording, driving a tricycle recklessly through Manila streets in a way that reportedly injured another rider, and trespassing into a McDonald’s kitchen.
The deportation destination reveals a key detail about Vitaly’s citizenship status. Despite living in the United States for years and holding a green card, he isn’t a U.S. citizen. He holds Russian citizenship, which is why Philippine authorities are sending him to Russia rather than the United States.
Vitaly rose to prominence in the early 2010s creating prank videos on YouTube under the VitalyzdTV channel. He became known for high-profile public disruptions, including running onto the field at major sporting events.
The exact legal status of his removal remains somewhat unclear. Deportation typically refers to immigration-based removal from a country, while extradition involves transfer to face charges elsewhere. It’s not yet confirmed whether Vitaly will face additional fines or penalties in the Philippines before his removal, or if any legal matters await him upon arrival in Russia.
