Vitaly Zdorovetskiy Jail Time Might End Soon – Witnesses Decline to Press Charges, Only One Case Filed

Controversial YouTube personality Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, once facing the prospect of a lengthy prison sentence in the Philippines, now has only one remaining criminal charge after most witnesses chose not to pursue complaints.

However, immigration detention and possible deportation still loom.

From Viral Pranks to Detention Centre

Zdorovetskiy, 33, rose to fame with his provocative online persona, known for prank videos and public stunts that have drawn widespread criticism and legal scrutiny. With millions of followers on YouTube and Instagram, the Russian-American influencer built a career on shock content—but that same notoriety has now placed him behind bars in Manila.

He was arrested in early April 2025 in Bonifacio Global City, a high-end commercial district in Metro Manila, after filming several unsanctioned pranks that local officials deemed illegal. Charges filed against him included three counts of 'unjust vexation' (a criminal offence in the Philippines akin to harassment), theft, public scandal, and trespassing. These offences exposed him to a potential 24-year prison sentence.

Deportation Rumours and Prison Visit Claims

A video posted by the TikTok account Dark Predictions has circulated widely online. In the clip, the user claims they visited YouTuber Vitaly Zdorovetskiy in the Philippines' Bicutan detention centre.

According to the TikToker, Vitaly did not anticipate serving his full 24-year sentence, as he expects deportation instead. The video alleges he was unable to see Vitaly in person, since visits are restricted to family members or lawyers, but was able to send him 'chicken burgers' through intermediaries.

An interesting comment from the TikToker said that Vitaly might soon go free altogether as none of the witnesses showed up to file a former complaint against the YouTuber and that only one was filed, which means he could go free in the near future.

'No he got bailed. And people didn't show up to press charges against him he only has 1 charge now. He will be out soon,' Dark Predictions said.

Bail Granted, But Immigration Detention Continues

On 18 June, Zdorovetskiy was granted bail by a Taguig court, enabling his release from maximum-security detention. However, this was short-lived. Hours later, he was transferred to the Bureau of Immigration (BI) detention facility at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig.

According to Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, Zdorovetskiy has been officially classified as an 'undesirable alien'. The designation was based on both his ongoing criminal case and his 'threat to public order and safety.' Immigration officials stressed that, despite being out on bail, he remains under strict custody and cannot leave the detention centre without further clearance.

Deportation Proceedings Underway

Although deportation proceedings have formally begun, Philippine authorities confirmed that both the United States and Russia have yet to provide the necessary documentation or accept custody of Zdorovetskiy. As a result, his deportation is stalled until the final criminal charge is resolved.

Philippine immigration law allows foreign nationals deemed a risk to public welfare to be detained indefinitely pending deportation. Even if the remaining criminal charge is dismissed or resolved, Zdorovetskiy may still be held until another country formally agrees to accept him.

Observers note that while Zdorovetskiy is no stranger to controversy, as he has previously been arrested in the US, Brazil, and Egypt, this is among the most serious legal challenges he has faced to date.

Further court hearings are expected in the coming weeks. The case continues to attract international media attention, highlighting broader concerns about how foreign nationals facing criminal charges are treated within the Philippine justice and immigration systems.