THE Bureau of Immigration has transferred custody of controversial Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said Zdorovetskiy was transferred to the BJMP last July 11 as he faces more cases in the country.
“He will remain in the BJMP’s custody until the resolution of his court cases, before he will be returned to the BI for deportation,” Viado said.
The BI chief said the transfer of custody was also carried out after Zdorovetskiy’s request for temporary release under bail was denied.
Zdorovetskiy claimed, according to the BI, that he had no intention of evading deportation, and pledged to stay in the National Capital Region.
He also stated that he would immediately submit himself to BI custody should a deportation order be issued against him.
Viado confirmed the receipt of Zdorovetskiy’s request but made it clear that the Bureau is not inclined to grant his appeal.
“This is not just a matter of administrative procedure—it is about protecting the integrity of our immigration laws. Foreign nationals who abuse our hospitality and violate our laws must face the consequences. We will not allow our deportation process to be undermined by publicity tactics or legal maneuvering. No special treatment will be given,” he said.
“Foreign nationals who commit acts harmful to public order will be subject to deportation under Philippine law,” he added.
Zdorovetskiy, a Russian content creator notorious for producing offensive prank videos and engaging in problematic behavior during his stay in the Philippines, was apprehended in April following reports of immigration violations.
The BI took custody of the 33-year-old Zdorovetskiy after he was arrested in Pasay City last April by operatives of the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and his men.
