Vitaly charged with theft, vandalism, and more in the Philippines — could face up to 25 years in prison

Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, the YouTube personality who was popularized by brazen prank films and videos, currently faces a string of criminal charges in the Philippines. According to Hindustantimes, the authorities said he was charged with vandalism, theft, unjust vexation, burglary, and illegal recording of a person without his permission. All carry a minimum of a five-year jail term per guilty verdict which makes it 25 years.

The charges are premised on a series of occurrences reported in parts of the Philippines, including Bonifacio Global City (BGC) and Boracay Island. Crimes alleged include theft of commodities such as an electric fan and a motorbike, insults aimed at individuals through livestreaming, and the harassment of civilians and security personnel. His actions have drawn criticism and call for Philippine authorities to act on them.

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Summary of charges against Vitaly

Zdorovetskiy has been charged under different Philippine penal codes, namely:

Vandalism: Damage to public properties.

Theft: Taking properties without permission, including a motorcycle and electric fan.

Burglary: Breaking properties with presumptive intent to commit an offense.

Unjust vexation: Doing things intended to annoy, disturb, or harass individuals.

Violation of privacy: Filming individuals without consent, particularly in private or public places.

While these are bailable offenses, each offense has a penalty of not less than five years if convicted.

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Overview of the incidents

The charges against Zdorovetskiy span a sequence of events during his visit to the nation. He allegedly sideswiped a pedestrian while on a motor tricycle in Boracay. In BGC, he supposedly accosted security personnel, stripped and robbed, and recorded the altercations. These were livestreamed and posted online, which caused public outrage.

The behavior was not restricted to a place or time, indicating a pattern of behavior during his visit. The incidents have not only led to legal action but have also impacted his immigration status.

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Legal and immigration status

According to Hindustantimes and GMA news, Zdorovetskiy has been formally designated as an undesirable foreign national by the Philippine Bureau of Immigration. He is presently held at the Bureau's facility in Camp Bagong Diwa until cases against him are resolved in court.

Although his criminal case is bailable, the designation as an undesirable alien is such that he can still be detained under immigration custody despite the payment of bail.

His deportation remains pending while the legal cases are decided, for Philippine law provides that foreign nationals should be served with charges before any deportation case is pursued against them. Other legal penalties or admission bans can also be levied if he is found guilty.

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This case placed recurring questions in the spotlight about foreign content producers' actions when moving to another country and how far online content production can reach in terms of the law. Philippine officials have not made public remarks apart from confirming the charges and legal stance, but the case continues to draw broad local and foreign interest.

To date, Zdorovetskiy has yet to issue a statement or statements through his official representatives regarding the charges. The case remains pending and will need to proceed through the proper court channels in weeks.

Also read: What happened to Vitaly after Philippines arrest? Streamers' current situation explored

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