Russian vlogger arrested by BI for spreading HIV scare in Metro Manila

Quezon City- Operatives of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) arrested a 21-year-old Russian vlogger who went viral on social media for threatening to deliberately spread HIV while in the Philippines.

The arrest forms part of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure that foreign nationals who abuse the country’s hospitality and undermine public safety are held accountable under Philippine laws.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado identified the foreign national as Nikita Chekhov, who was arrested inside a condominium building in Quezon City.

Chekhov arrived in the country as a tourist on January 15. Shortly after his arrival, he uploaded videos filmed in Bonifacio High Street in Taguig, 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.

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.

Chekhov is a native of Taganrog, Rostov Oblast, Russia, and arrived in the Philippines from Shanghai, China. He has no known relatives in the country.

“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.”

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.

Viado said they have also coordinated the case with the Department of Health.