The Bureau of Immigration has on Saturday deported a Russian vlogger after months of detention in Manila over a series of viral harassment incidents that drew public outrage in the domestic front.
The BI said the deportee, Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, left onboard IrAero flight bound for Irkutsk, ending his detention following his arrest last April for harassing Filipinos in upscale Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig City.
Zdorovetskiy was collared by BI operatives after videos went viral showing him committing unlawful acts of public disturbance at the BGC.
The Russian national is known for posting prank videos on social media. In the Philippines, he recorded himself harassing a security guard, cursing at a Filipina wearing a face mask, stealing a heavy-duty electric fan, and hijacking a tricycle that later crashed into a parked jeepney.
During inquest proceedings, Zdorovetskiy admitted to his misdeeds. He was detained at the Immigration jail inside Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig, after his application for bail was denied.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said Zdorovetskiy’s name has been placed on the bureau’s blacklist, barring his return to the Philippines.
“The country warmly receives guests from all nations, but respect for our laws is non-negotiable,” Viado said.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “Blacklisted Russian prankster sent back to homeland”
