Metro Manila, Philippines – Russian content creator Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, who was arrested for harassing Filipinos in public for his vlog, will be serving jail time in the Philippines as other countries where he should be deported refused to accept him.
In an interview on Sunday, June 1, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said deportation “is not an option” for Zdorovetskiy as both Russia and the US do not want to take him back.
“Ang problema kasi namin, ang Russia hindi siya tinatanggap. Ang US naman, green card holder siya, hindi rin siya tinatanggap. So hindi namin alam kung saan siya papauwiin,” Remulla said.
[Translation: Our problem is that Russia doesn’t accept him. The US, where he’s a green card holder, doesn’t accept him either. So we don’t know where to send him.]
Zdorovetskiy is currently detained in the country and will face trial next week for three counts of unjust vexation. Remulla said he may serve jail time of three months to one year.
He also shared that the vlogger had written to him, pleading for the charges to be dropped, citing mental health issues.
The mother of Zdorovetskiy previously apologized on her son’s behalf, claiming that he “meant no harm” when he harassed a number of Filipinos for his viral videos.
However, following his arrest in April, the influencer admitted his wrongdoings during questioning.
Zdorovetskiy’s videos included his attempt to kiss a Filipina, his threat to rob a pedestrian, and how he ignored a security guard’s order to stop recording.
The Russian, who held a book titled “Following Jesus” in the press conference, even clapped and gave a thumbs up while the briefing was ongoing.
Once proven guilty of his charges, Remulla said Zdorovetskiy may serve up to 18 months in a Bureau of Jail Management and Penology facility.
