Vitaly's Rise to (Infamy) Fame
Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, or VitalyzdTv as he's known online, became famous for his prank videos. With over 10 million subscribers, his YouTube channel featured stunts that often pushed the limits of what's legal and acceptable. From fake bomb scares to running onto the field at big sports games, Vitaly built a career on causing chaos.
Trouble in Paradise: The Philippines Incident
In April 2025, Vitaly's antics took a serious turn during a livestream in the Philippines. While filming in Manila's Bonifacio Global City, he was arrested for a string of disruptive and potentially criminal acts. These actions included harassing security guards, attempting to grab a security guard's firearm, stealing a patrol motorcycle, an electric fan, and a tricycle, threatening to rob a woman, trespassing, and recording people without their permission. He was also accused of making up bad reviews about local businesses and causing vandalism.
The Charges: A Long List of Offenses
The Philippine authorities didn't take Vitaly's behavior lightly. He faces multiple charges, including unjust vexation, alarm and scandal, attempted theft, and other offenses. "Unjust vexation" basically means annoying or irritating someone without a good reason. He could face up to 18 months in prison for three counts of unjust vexation. Some reports suggest he could face up to 24 years in prison if convicted on all charges.
Facing the Music: Legal Limbo
Following his arrest, Vitaly was labeled an "undesirable alien" by the Bureau of Immigration. This means the Philippines wanted to deport him. However, things got complicated when both Russia and the United States refused to accept him. This refusal has left him in a legal limbo, stuck in the Philippines to face trial. As of June 2025, he was being held at the Bureau of Immigration Bicutan Detention Center in Taguig.
What's Next for Vitaly?
Legal experts predict that Vitaly could be stuck in pre-trial detention for a long time, possibly two to three years. This means his trial and any potential sentencing might not happen until 2027 or 2028. His legal team asked the Interior Secretary to drop the charges, citing "mental health reasons," but this request was turned down.
Why the Philippines Took Action
Philippine officials made it clear that they wouldn't tolerate Vitaly's behavior. They emphasized that creating content online isn't a license to harm, shame, or endanger others. One official stated that Vitaly "belittled" the Philippines and its laws.
Other Controversies: A History of Trouble
This isn't the first time Vitaly has found himself in hot water. He was arrested in the past for trespassing after climbing the Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles as a stunt. He has also faced accusations of humiliating Black people in his videos. In one instance, he was arrested for impersonating a police officer.
The Bigger Picture: Streamers Behaving Badly
Vitaly's case is part of a larger trend of streamers and online personalities facing consequences for their actions abroad. Some countries in Asia are cracking down on "nuisance streamers" who disrupt public order or harass locals.
Hoax or Hope? The Baptism Rumor
In December 2025, a photo circulated online claiming to show Vitaly being baptized in the Philippines detention center. However, these reports appear to be a hoax, as no credible news sources have confirmed the baptism.
Key Takeaways
- Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, a famous prank YouTuber, was arrested in the Philippines in April 2025.
- He faces multiple charges related to harassment, theft, and public disturbance.
- Both Russia and the United States have refused to accept his deportation, leaving him stuck in the Philippines.
- He could face years in prison if convicted.
- His case highlights the growing scrutiny of online personalities who engage in disruptive behavior.