Bureau of Immigration arrests Russian vlogger Nikita Chekhov, 21, after Philippine authorities said he posted viral videos online claiming he intended to deliberately spread HIV while staying in the country, triggering public fear and widespread outrage on social media.

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) identified the foreign national as Nikita Chekhov, a native of Taganrog, Russia. In a statement released Thursday, immigration officials said Chekhov was arrested inside a condominium building in Quezon City following a coordinated operation prompted by alarming content posted on his social media accounts.

According to the BI, Chekhov arrived in the Philippines on January 15 as a tourist after flying in from Shanghai, China. Shortly after his arrival, he uploaded several videos filmed at Bonifacio High Street in Taguig City. In the clips, Chekhov made statements suggesting that he intended to spread HIV during his stay in the country, remarks that quickly went viral and drew sharp criticism from netizens.

Immigration officials said the videos immediately raised public concern, prompting authorities to evaluate possible threats to public safety and health. While investigators believe the content may have been intended as “rage bait,” or material designed to provoke outrage and boost online engagement, officials stressed that the posts were irresponsible and dangerous.

“These so-called rage-bait videos irresponsibly cause fear and panic among the public,” Immigration Commissioner Joel 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 Bureau emphasized that regardless of intent, content that threatens public health or undermines public order will not be tolerated. Immigration officials also reminded foreign visitors that they are expected to respect Philippine laws, values, and social norms while in the country.

Chekhov is currently under investigation for possible violations of immigration laws and other applicable regulations. Authorities said deportation proceedings may be initiated depending on the outcome of the ongoing probe.

The arrest comes amid heightened scrutiny of foreign content creators accused of engaging in disruptive or harmful behavior while in the Philippines. Earlier this month, Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy was deported after being declared an undesirable alien for acts committed in Taguig City.

In a separate case, Estonian YouTuber Siim Roosipuu was arrested and declared persona non grata in Dumaguete City after posting content that local officials described as disrespectful and involving minors. Both incidents highlighted the government’s firm stance against foreign nationals who use online platforms to spread fear, misinformation, or offensive material.

Immigration officials reiterated that the Philippines remains open to tourists and content creators who follow the law and act responsibly. However, they warned that authorities will continue to take swift action against those who misuse social media to alarm the public or endanger public welfare.

As the investigation into Chekhov’s case continues, the Bureau of Immigration assured the public that it remains committed to protecting public safety and enforcing immigration laws, stressing that freedom of expression does not extend to threats against public health or national security.