A Russian vlogger has been arrested in Metro Manila for threatening to deliberately spread HIV while in the country, sparking widespread concern online.

Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado identified the 21-year-old as Nikita Chekhov, who was apprehended inside a Quezon City condominium.

According to the BI, Chekhov arrived in the Philippines on January 15 from Shanghai, China, and soon after posted videos from Bonifacio High Street in Taguig, claiming he intended to infect others with the virus.

Authorities described the videos as “rage-bait” content, designed to attract attention but alarming residents and social media users alike.

Chekhov is currently detained at the BI facility as deportation proceedings move forward. Viado stressed that foreign nationals who incite fear, disrespect, or abuse Philippine hospitality have no place in the country and will face legal action.

The BI is also coordinating with the Department of Health regarding the case.

This follows a series of recent actions against foreign vloggers, including the deportation of Russian YouTuber Vitaly Zdorovetskiy and the persona non grata declaration of Estonian content creator Siim Roosipuu for posting offensive material.