Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, the Russian-American YouTuber best known for his outrageous pranks and stunts, is currently locked up in a detention facility in the Philippines. The once high-flying social media star now faces serious legal trouble after being arrested on April 2, 2025, in connection with multiple alleged offenses tied to his controversial content.
Zdorovetskiy, who gained fame through his channel VitalyzdTv, is known for pushing boundaries with his outlandish pranks and risky behavior. However, his latest antics seem to have gone too far, leading to his arrest at the Bureau of Immigration Bicutan Detention Center (BI-Bicutan), a facility notorious for its overcrowding and harsh conditions.
The charges against Zdorovetskiy are related to his actions during his livestreams in Metro Manila, where he allegedly harassed bystanders, filmed without permits, and engaged in behavior that disrupted public peace. Some of the specific allegations include attempting to kiss and grope a security guard, disturbing an elderly woman, and even attempting to seize a firearm.
While Zdorovetskiy is no stranger to legal issues, including past arrests for trespassing at the Hollywood sign and interrupting major sports events, the current situation in the Philippines could be his most challenging yet. According to legal experts, the country’s overloaded court system may mean that his case could drag on for years before it reaches trial. This could leave Zdorovetskiy behind bars for a long time.
Prison conditions at BI-Bicutan are reportedly harsh. Zdorovetskiy is being held in a shared cell with multiple other inmates, where temperatures soar to nearly 97°F and there is no air conditioning. The daily meals are basic, costing only $1.20 for all three meals, and he will likely receive no special treatment. Inmates are often subjected to overcrowded conditions, and even if Zdorovetskiy is eventually granted a trial, there’s a possibility that he could face a lengthy sentence due to the seriousness of his charges.
Adding to his legal woes, there’s a chance that the Philippine authorities could invoke a special penal code that allows for convictions without proof of malice—simply committing the act is enough to lead to a guilty verdict. With video evidence of many of his pranks, this could work against him.
The current outlook for Zdorovetskiy is grim. Legal commentators have speculated that he could face a minimum of five years in prison if convicted, and given the extensive wait times for trials in the Philippines, he could be incarcerated for at least seven years in total.
While his YouTube channel, which once made him a household name, is likely to remain quiet for the foreseeable future, Zdorovetskiy’s legal battles are just beginning. What’s clear is that the fun-loving prankster will face some of his toughest challenges yet as he navigates the Philippine justice system.
