People may go viral for many different things on YouTube. At times, some of the most popular videos are those that involve pranks.
Some people even post pranks on YouTube regularly and they have become extremely popular as a result. This includes Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, somebody known as being a ‘natural born prankster’, but there are times when he takes things too far.
In the past, he has been arrested for some of his pranks, including streaking through the NBA finals or climbing the Hollywood sign. This time, however, he finds himself in a lot of legal trouble as a result of his video-making efforts.
On April 2, 2025, he went on a livestream rampage, pulling pranks in Bonifacio Global City, and he is now facing up to 24 years in prison. His pranks were a little off the deep end, as he threatened to rob a woman, stole a patrol motorcycle, and tried to seize a firearm from a security guard. You can even add trespassing, as he went into a McDonald’s kitchen.
Some other issues associated with the video include that he harassed a Filipino surf instructor using sexually degrading and vulgar language. All of this information comes from a change.org petition.
This is YouTube streamer Vitaly Zdorovetskiy who harrassed Filipinos during a livestream in BGC. Please @immigPH, @CIDG_PNP hunt this foreigner down and charge him with every relevant crime. Don’t let him do this to Filipinos in their own country. pic.twitter.com/ORVyJQmrqA
— Gerry Cacanindin (@GerryCacanindin) April 1, 2025
Jonvic Remulla, Philippines Interior Secretary was noticeably upset when they spoke to the press set to the arrest. They said: “People have to take responsibility for the content they create. It is not a licence to shame, or to hurt, or to besmirch anyone.
“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.”
Zdorovetskiy is being charged with multiple crimes, including three counts of unjust vexation from police officers claiming to be his victims.
A maximum sentence of 18 months would typically be given but some are saying that he may be in prison for years waiting for trial.
Remulla said that he would receive ‘no special treatment’.
Even though he is estimated to be worth $91 million, he will be able to buy his way out of this. At this point, he is allegedly being detained under some very difficult conditions, including with multiple inmates, and no air conditioning. He is only receiving about $1.20 worth of food daily.
Remulla said: “Fortunately, the security guards were strong-willed, they didn’t give in, and we’re pursuing the case.”
A plea for mercy was entered but the government is not budging. Remulla added: “He wrote to me saying he is suffering from mental health issues and asking if the charges can be dropped. He apologized.
“We will service his sentence, sinigurado ko po ‘yun (I will make sure of that).”
At this point, they are saying that the Russian government has disowned him and the US is not stepping in to help. They said: “So we don’t know where to send him.”
