Vitaly Zdorovetskiy Latest News: YouTuber Might Have To Complete Jail Time First Before Getting Deported

Russian YouTuber Vitaly Zdorovetskiy is facing further legal complications in the Philippines, with authorities indicating he may have to serve a prison sentence before deportation proceedings can begin. The development raises fresh uncertainty over the influencer's legal future and highlights the limits of celebrity status when entangled in foreign justice systems.

Zdorovetskiy, who rose to prominence through controversial online pranks, was arrested in April in Metro Manila on multiple charges, including unjust vexation, theft, and public disturbance. He posted bail in June, after which he was transferred to the Bureau of Immigration's detention centre at Camp Bagong Diwa.

'Undesirable Alien' Status Confirmed

Philippine immigration officials have since labelled him an 'undesirable alien', but deportation has been postponed until his criminal cases are resolved. Bureau of Immigration spokesperson Dana Sandoval confirmed that Zdorovetskiy would remain in detention until local court proceedings are completed, saying, 'Foreign visitors are expected to be in good behaviour during their stay in the Philippines.'

Although many of the original complainants have withdrawn or chosen not to pursue charges, at least one case remains active. According to Legal Mindset, this case alone could lead to a custodial sentence of up to 18 months, depending on the final judgement.

Legal Experts Warn Against Premature Assumptions

US-based legal commentator Andrew, who runs the YouTube channel 'Legal Mindset', explained that expectations of a quick deportation were unrealistic. 'Once he serves his time, then the Philippines will have to send him somewhere,' he said in a video. He added that deportation is unlikely to proceed before sentencing, a process that may take several months or even years.

As of June 2025, Zdorovetskiy remains in custody of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), the agency responsible for managing local jails in the Philippines, awaiting trial on charges of unjust vexation. The charge, criticised by some as overly broad, refers to acts that annoy, irritate, or disturb others but remains a criminal offence under Philippine law.

Legal discussions also noted that under Philippine law, immigration removal cannot pre-empt ongoing criminal liability. If convicted, even partial jail terms must be served before an individual is considered eligible for deportation.

Diplomatic Limbo and Dual Citizenship

Complicating matters further is the question of where Zdorovetskiy could be deported to. He reportedly holds dual citizenship in both Russia and the United States, but according to sources within the Philippine government, neither country has so far confirmed it will accept him. This has led to fears he could remain in indefinite detention following any sentence, particularly if diplomatic negotiations remain unresolved.

Impact on Digital Influencers

Philippine officials have been clear that online fame does not grant immunity under local laws. As Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Joel Viado said, 'We will not allow our deportation process to be undermined by publicity tactics or legal manoeuvering.' Meanwhile, there have been no public statements from Zdorovetskiy's representatives about the criminal charges or his deportation status, and requests for comment have gone unanswered.

For now, Zdorovetskiy remains detained, caught between unresolved legal proceedings and diplomatic deadlock. His case has become a high-profile example of how international content creators, while free to broadcast globally, remain subject to the laws and jurisdictions of the countries they enter. Without a clear legal and diplomatic resolution, he may remain behind bars far longer than expected.