Vitaly Zdorovetskiy: Russian-American Youtuber jailed in Philippines, globally unwelcome

Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, known to millions as “VitalyzdTv,” has long been infamous for his outrageous pranks and viral stunts. But in 2025, the Russian-American YouTuber’s penchant for controversy reached a breaking point, getting detained in the Philippines, rejected by both Russia and the United States, and facing a future more uncertain than ever.

Born in Russia in 1992, Zdorovetskiy moved to the U.S. as a child and rose to fame with prank videos that often pushed the boundaries of legality and taste. His YouTube channel amassed over 10 million subscribers, with content ranging from fake bomb scares to pitch invasions at major sporting events. His early life was marked by odd jobs and even a brief stint in adult entertainment.

Crimes and arrests

Vitaly Zdorovetskiy’s career has been marked by a series of high-profile arrests and criminal charges, both in the United States and abroad.

2014 FIFA World Cup Final Arrest (Brazil):
In July 2014, Zdorovetskiy invaded the field during the FIFA World Cup Final between Germany and Argentina in Brazil. His stunt garnered global media attention and resulted in his arrest by Brazilian authorities for trespassing on the pitch during one of the world’s most-watched sporting events.

May 25, 2016 – Hollywood Sign Trespassing:
Zdorovetskiy was arrested for trespassing after climbing onto the iconic Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles as part of a video stunt. He spent about an hour vlogging from the sign before being detained by park rangers and released on bail. He faced potential fines and up to six months in county jail for the misdemeanor, as the site is closed to the public and protected by law enforcement.

June 10, 2016 – NBA Finals Streaking Arrest:
Just weeks later, on June 10, 2016, Zdorovetskiy was arrested again for streaking during Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors. The high-profile stunt led to his immediate arrest for trespassing and disrupting a major sporting event.

2017 World Series Arrest (Houston, USA):
On October 29, 2017, Zdorovetskiy was arrested after running onto the field at Minute Maid Park during Game 5 of the 2017 World Series, shortly after a home run by Carlos Correa of the Houston Astros. He was taken into custody for trespassing and disrupting the game.

2020 – Aggravated Battery Arrest:
In 2020, Zdorovetskiy was arrested for aggravated battery in Miami Beach, Florida, following an alleged unprovoked attack on a female jogger. He was booked and released on bond. This incident drew significant media attention and criticism.

2025 – Arrest and Multiple Charges in the Philippines:
His most serious legal troubles began in April 2025, when he was arrested in the Philippines after livestreaming a spree of disruptive and criminal acts in Manila’s Bonifacio Global City. The charges include:

• Harassing and attempting to kiss 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 in public
• Trespassing and recording people without consent
• Fabricating negative reviews about local businesses
• Vandalism, unjust vexation, burglary, theft, and alarm and scandal

He faces up to 24 years in prison in the Philippines, with five separate charges that could each result in a minimum of five years if convicted. His deportation has been blocked as both Russia and the United States have refused to accept him, leaving him to face trial and potential jail time in the Philippines.

Neither Russia nor America will take him

The fallout from his actions has been severe. Philippine authorities declared him an “undesirable foreign national” and sought to deport him, but both Russia and the United States refused to accept him. Russia has reportedly “disowned” Zdorovetskiy, with officials stressing that he must face justice in the Philippines and warning Russian tourists to respect local laws. Meanwhile, as a U.S. green card holder—not a citizen—the U.S. also declined to intervene or accept his return.

“Our problem is that Russia is not accepting him, neither does the US where he is a green card holder. So we don’t know where to send him,” said Philippine Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla.

With no country willing to claim him, Zdorovetskiy remains in detention in Manila, awaiting trial and possible imprisonment.