Bureau of Immigration authorities on Thursday arrested a Russian national who drew public attention after posting social media videos claiming he intended to spread HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) while in Metro Manila.
Operatives of the Bureau of Immigration’s Fugitive Search Unit apprehended Nikita Chekhov inside a condominium building in Quezon City, according to Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado.
Chekhov, who arrived in the Philippines on January 15 as a tourist, uploaded videos filmed in Bonifacio High Street in Taguig shortly after his arrival.
In the videos, he made statements that authorities said caused public alarm and concern. The content was later described by officials as “rage-bait” material.
The incident follows recent enforcement actions against other foreign content creators, including the deportation of Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy and the arrest of Estonian YouTuber Siim Roosipuu, who was declared persona non grata in Dumaguete City over online content deemed inappropriate.
Chekhov, a native of Taganrog in Russia’s Rostov Oblast, entered the country from Shanghai, China and has no known relatives in the Philippines.
“These videos unnecessarily caused fear and panic,” Viado said, adding that foreign visitors who engage in disruptive or harmful behavior may face deportation.
Chekhov is currently being held at the Bureau of Immigration’s detention facility while deportation proceedings are underway.
Immigration officials said the case has been coordinated with the Department of Health.
