A YouTuber has pleaded to authorities from a jail in the Philippines after a prank saw him get put behind bars.
Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, best known for his viral “natural born prankster” stunts and chaotic public behavior, now finds himself in serious legal trouble in the Philippines, per the Mirror.
After a livestreamed spree through Bonifacio Global City on April 2, 2025, Zdorovetskiy was arrested and now faces up to 24 years in prison.
And unlike his earlier arrests, which ranged from streaking the NBA Finals to climbing the Hollywood Sign, this time, there may be no easy way out.
Zdorovetskiy’s arrest came after a chaotic Kick broadcast where he allegedly threatened to rob a woman in public, stole a patrol motorcycle, entered a McDonald’s kitchen, and attempted to seize a firearm from a security guard.
Reports say he also verbally harassed a Filipino surf instructor using vulgar and sexually degrading language - allegations now circulating in a Change.org petition.
Philippines Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla didn’t hold back when the YouTuber was presented to the press for the first time since his arrest.
“People have to take responsibility for the content they create. It is not a licence to shame, or to hurt, or to besmirch anyone,” Remulla said.
“Vitaly engaged in multiple disruptive and inappropriate acts, including attempting to kiss and grab him, trying to seize his service firearm, taking pictures of him without consent, mocking other security guards, and vlogging without a permit in BGC.”
According to Remulla, Zdorovetskiy’s rap sheet now includes three counts of unjust vexation from police officers claiming to be his victims.
Although that could translate to a maximum sentence of 18 months, some speculate he could be stuck in prison for years awaiting trial, with sentencing not expected until 2027 or 2028.
Remulla made it clear: “There will be no special treatment” for Zdorovetskiy.
Despite the Russian-born content creator’s estimated $91 million net worth, it won’t buy him comfort in his current surroundings.
He’s reportedly being detained under harsh conditions - likely with multiple inmates, no air conditioning, and only $1.20 worth of food per day, per the Economic Times.
“Fortunately, the security guards were strong-willed, they didn’t give in, and we’re pursuing the case,” Remulla said. He confirmed that despite Zdorovetskiy’s team trying to settle privately, authorities are moving forward.
Even a plea for mercy hasn’t softened the government’s stance. “He wrote to me saying he is suffering from mental health issues and asking if the charges can be dropped. He apologized,” Remulla shared in an interview with 24 Oras.
Remulla replied: “We will service his sentence, sinigurado ko po ‘yun (I will make sure of that).”
Adding to Zdorovetskiy’s problems, the Russian government has already disowned him, and the United States hasn’t stepped forward to claim him either.
“So we don’t know where to send him,” Remulla said.
In the meantime, the Bureau of Immigration has labeled him an “undesirable alien.” Though a theft charge was dropped, the Taguig City Prosecutor’s Office is going ahead with his unjust vexation case.