Vitaly Reading
Philippine authorities confirmed his arrest, sentence and deportation, with his name placed on an immigration blacklist. @vitalyzdtv/X

Controversial YouTuber Vitaly Zdorovetskiy has returned to public view following his deportation from the Philippines, where he spent close to nine months in custody over harassment and public order offences linked to livestreamed stunts.

The 33-year-old shared a series of social media posts after his removal from the country, describing his time in detention as transformative and placing a strong emphasis on religion. His comments have attracted renewed attention online, with images showing a visibly changed appearance circulating widely.

Philippine authorities have confirmed the timeline of Zdorovetskiy's arrest, detention and deportation. Details about conditions inside custody, including claims of isolation and treatment, have been presented through Zdorovetskiy's own statements and have not been independently verified by officials.

Arrest, Detention and Deportation

Zdorovetskiy was arrested in April 2025 in Bonifacio Global City, Metro Manila, after livestreamed footage showed confrontations with members of the public and security personnel. Authorities said the incidents generated multiple complaints and disrupted public order in the area.

He faced criminal charges under Philippine law related to harassment and public disturbance. During legal proceedings, the Bureau of Immigration classified him as an undesirable alien, a designation applied to foreign nationals who violate domestic regulations.

After serving his sentence and completing required judicial and administrative clearances, Zdorovetskiy was deported on 17 January 2026. Immigration officials confirmed that he was escorted onto a commercial flight and formally removed from the Philippines. His name has since been placed on the country's immigration blacklist, preventing his return.

Claims About Life in Custody

In posts shared on X and Instagram, Zdorovetskiy said he spent 290 days in detention, including 91 days in isolation. He described overcrowded facilities, high temperatures and the presence of pests, and said the experience deepened his religious faith.

He framed the period as a personal turning point and credited belief in God with helping him endure confinement. He also announced plans to release a documentary detailing his time in custody.

These claims have been widely shared and cited by local media outlets. No public statements from prison or immigration authorities have confirmed the specific conditions described or the length of any isolation period.

Legal Status and Travel Implications

Although Zdorovetskiy has completed his sentence, the deportation carries ongoing legal consequences. His criminal record in the Philippines remains on file, and his placement on the immigration blacklist prevents him from re-entering the country. Any future international travel may also be subject to additional scrutiny, depending on the entry requirements and visa policies of other jurisdictions.

Philippine authorities have stated that their role concluded once judicial and administrative procedures were finalised. No further legal action has been announced in relation to his case.

Online Career and Public Standing

Zdorovetskiy's position on major online platforms remains unclear. Content policies and advertising standards have tightened in recent years, particularly around material involving harassment or public disruption. No platform statements have been issued regarding the status of his accounts or monetisation.

He has framed his return to social media as the beginning of a new phase and has indicated that further content is planned. While claims of personal change continue to circulate online, verified information confirms only the timeline of his arrest, detention and deportation. Details about his experience in custody remain based on his own statements pending independent confirmation.

Writer's pick