Russian YouTuber Vitaly Zdorovetskiy faces possible deportation to Russia after Philippines arrest and court penalties

Russian streamer and YouTuber Vitaly Zdorovetskiy did not expect his online fame to end this way. The Russian-born YouTuber, known worldwide as Vitaly “VitalyzdTv” Zdorovetskiy, is now preparing to leave the Philippines and return to Russia after months of legal trouble.

GMA News quoted Bureau of Immigration Legal Division chief Arvin Santos, who confirmed that a formal deportation order had already been issued after Vitaly Zdorovetskiy completed all court-required penalties and received clearances from the courts and the National Bureau of Investigation.Zdorovetskiy was arrested in April 2025 after a series of public incidents that caused concern across the country. Authorities said his actions included public disruption, theft, trespassing, and reckless driving.

These incidents led to formal charges and court proceedings under Philippine law. In January 2026, immigration officials confirmed that Vitaly Zdorovetskiy had already served the required time of punishment for his criminal cases. After reviewing the court decisions, authorities moved forward with a deportation order. According to reports, he will be sent back to Russia, which is officially recognized as his home country.

Speaking to GMA News, Bureau of Immigration Legal Division chief Arvin Santos explained that the process followed strict legal steps.“It is stated in our deportation order that his deportation is subject to clearances from the National Bureau of Investigation and from the courts where he had cases. His cases at the Taguig Regional Trial Court and the Metropolitan Trial Court have already been resolved, and the penalties imposed there are also considered served,” Santos said.Officials also noted that while his charges could have carried a sentence of up to about 18 months, his time in detention during investigations and legal processing was already counted.

Jonvic Remulla says no anger toward Vitaly Zdorovetskiy as deportation moves forward

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla addressed the issue to calm public concern and protect the country’s image among tourists. He made it clear that the Philippines remains open and welcoming, as long as visitors respect local laws.“We welcome visitors, but they are expected to follow the same rules,” Remulla said.He also stressed that there is no personal anger toward Zdorovetskiy and that the case was handled purely through legal channels.“We have no ill feelings against Vitaly. He has served his time and he has shown his remorse and he is now a free man when he goes back to Russia,” Remulla said.While Zdorovetskiy holds an American green card, officials clarified that he is legally considered a Russian citizen. Because of this, deportation to Russia was the correct legal outcome. Authorities also confirmed that he was not just held for immigration reasons, but was properly charged, tried, and processed through Philippine courts before the deportation order was approved.Also Read: “Secret Beekeeper Society”: Nick Fuentes Calls Candace Owens Claims Wild After Charlie Kirk Time Travel And Future Vision Talk