Manila: The Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested a 21-year-old Russian vlogger who went viral on social media for threatening to deliberately spread HIV while in the Philippines. In a statement Thursday, Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado identified the foreign national as Nikita Chekhov, who was arrested inside a condominium building in Quezon City.
According to Philippines News Agency, Chekhov arrived in the country as a tourist on Jan. 15. Shortly after his arrival, he uploaded videos filmed in Bonifacio High Street in Taguig City, where he made alarming claims that he intended to spread HIV during his stay. The videos - believed to be made as 'rage bait' content - sparked widespread concern and fear among residents and online users.
Chekhov is a native of Taganrog, Rostov Oblast, Russia, and arrived in the Philippines from Shanghai, China. 'These so-called rage-bait videos irresponsibly cause fear and panic among the public,' Viado 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.'
The foreigner 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 arrest comes just 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.
