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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Another Russian vlogger arrested for 'threats' to spread HIV in PH

Another Russian vlogger arrested for 'threats' to spread HIV in PH

Published Jan 22, 2026 01:14 pm
Another Russian vlogger has been arrested and will be deported by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for his viral “rage bait” social media posts where he threatened to spread the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the Philippines.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado identified the foreign vlogger as Nikita Chekov, 21 years old, who was arrested by the BI’s Fugitive Search Unit (BI-FSU) at a condominium building in Quezon City.
Viado said Chekov is now detained at the BI’s detention facility pending deportation proceedings.
“These so-called rage-bait videos irresponsibly cause fear and panic among the public,” Viado also said.
“Foreign nationals who come to the Philippines to spread alarm, disrespect our people, or abuse our hospitality are not welcome and will face deportation,” he warned.
The BI said Chekhov is a native of Taganrog, Rostov Oblast in Russia and arrived in the Philippines last Jan. 15 from Shanghai, China as a tourist.
It said that “shortly after his arrival, Chekhov uploaded videos filmed along Bonifacio High Street in Taguig City, where he made alarming claims that he intended to spread HIV during his stay in the Philippines.”
“The videos -- believed to be made as ‘rage bait’ content -- sparked widespread concern and fear among residents and online users,” it added.
Last Jan. 17, the BI deported Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, 33, to Russia.
Zdorovetskiy was arrested last year after he drew the ire of Filipinos over his videos that went viral for harassing Filipinos in Bonifacio Global City (BGC).
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