Russian vlogger arrested for spreading HIV scare in Metro Manila

A 21-year-old Russian vlogger who went viral on social media after threatening to deliberately spread HIV in the Philippines has been arrested, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said on Thursday.

In a statement, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said Nikita Chekhov was arrested inside a condominium building in Quezon City.

“These so-called rage-bait videos irresponsibly cause fear and panic among the public. Foreign nationals who come to the Philippines to spread alarm, disrespect our people, or abuse our hospitality are not welcome and will face deportation,” Viado said.

The BI said Chekhov uploaded videos filmed in Bonifacio High Street, City Taguig in which he made claims that he intended to spread HIV during his stay in the country.

For the BI, Chekhov’s “rage bait” content sparked widespread concern and fear among residents and online users.

“Chekhov has been placed at the BI’s detention facility pending deportation proceedings, similar to actions taken against other foreign nationals who committed undesirable acts while in the country,” the bureau said.

The BI has coordinated the case with the Department of Health.

According to the BI, Chekhov is a native of Taganrog, Rostov Oblast, Russia. From Shanghai, China, he arrived in the Philippines as a tourist on January 15. He has no known relatives in the country, the BI said.

The vlogger's arrest comes only days after the deportation of Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy for committing undesirable acts in Bonifacio Global City, and the arrest of Estonian YouTuber Siim Roosipuu, who was declared persona non grata in Dumaguete City for posting disrespectful content involving minors.

According to the BI, President Ferdinand “Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. directed the agency to ensure that foreign nationals who abuse the country’s hospitality and undermine public safety are held accountable under Philippine laws. —VAL, GMA Integrated News