Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, the controversial YouTuber known for his wild pranks and viral videos, is facing serious legal trouble in the Philippines. After a series of prank-related incidents that escalated into criminal charges, Vitaly was arrested and now finds himself in a complicated legal and diplomatic bind.
What Happened?
Vitaly was taken into custody in early April 2025 following a string of livestreamed pranks that allegedly involved harassment, public nuisance, and theft. The incidents caused a public stir and led to multiple charges being filed against him. While he was initially held by immigration authorities, he was later moved to a local detention facility after posting bail on some of the charges.
Despite being granted bail, Vitaly remains behind bars due to ongoing criminal proceedings in the country.
Can He Leave the Philippines?
Right now, the answer is no. Although he may be eligible for deportation in theory, neither the United States (where he holds permanent residency) nor Russia (his country of citizenship) has agreed to accept him. As a result, Philippine authorities have opted to keep him detained until the legal process is complete.
If convicted, Vitaly may be required to serve time in the Philippines before any deportation proceedings can begin. Only once he has completed his sentence will authorities consider releasing him from custody and expelling him from the country.
What’s Next?
Vitaly’s future depends entirely on the outcome of his court proceedings. He could be facing up to 18 months in jail or more, depending on how the charges are handled. Until then, he is not going anywhere—and his legal team will have to navigate both the Philippine justice system and the complexities of international diplomacy.
