Another deportation case: BI arrests Russian vlogger for threatening to spread HIV

January 22, 2026 – 2:40 PM

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Another Russian vlogger is set to be deported after causing alarm among Filipinos by claiming he has HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and threatening to spread it to the public.

Bureau of Immigration (BI)

on Thursday, January 22, arrested 21-year-old

Nikita Chekhov

, who goes by the username “misterjakol” on TikTok, in a condominium unit in Quezon City after videos of him making the threats went viral.

At the time, the videos were recorded, the vlogger was reportedly in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig City.

The videos spark widespread concern among Filipinos, with many warning fellow Pinoys to remain vigilant should they encounter the vlogger.

“Have you seen a video on TikTok about a foreigner who wants to spread HIV in the Philippines? He is so proud that he made a content about planning to spread HIV in BGC. To all bio women/gays/trans women who [adore] AFAMS, be careful. We all deserve a healed and good AFAM partner,” an online user wrote on

Threads

“Girls and boys, I just saw this on TikTok. Please be aware of the guys you are meeting. The number of HIV cases here in the Philippines is not a joke,” another said.

“Someone [whose] TikTok username is @misterjakol, is allegedly spreading HIV intentionally. In his videos, he’s widely proud to be spreading HIV here in the Philippines. Be careful, everyone. #hivawareness,” the Threads user added.

HIV is a

virus

that attacks the human body’s immune system, making infected individuals more susceptible to illnesses such as tuberculosis, other infections, and certain cancers.

It is transmitted through the body fluids of an infected person, including blood, breast milk, semen, and vaginal fluids.

HIV can be prevented and effectively managed with antiretroviral therapy, although it can progress to AIDS if left untreated.

Meanwhile, the BI was able to track Chekhov’s whereabouts, leading to his arrest and the initiation of deportation proceedings.

The bureau said Chekhov arrived in the Philippines on January 15 and would undergo booking and documentation procedures before being transferred to the BI Warden’s Facility.

If Chekhov has no criminal record, the BI said it would immediately proceed with preparations for his deportation.

BI Commissioner

Joel Anthony Viado

said the vlogger’s video about HIV appeared to be a “rage bait.”

A rage bait is online content designed to provoke anger or strong negative reactions to generate clicks, views and engagement for profit or clout.

“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,” he added.

Apart from Chekhov, the country also saw an Estonian vlogger facing deportation after numerous complaints of unauthorized filming, harassment and the publication of offensive remarks demeaning Filipinos.

Another Russian vlogger,

Vitaly Zdorovetskiy

, was also deported after spending around nine months in a Philippine jail for harassing a security guard, shouting expletives at a Filipina, stealing a heavy-duty electric fan, and taking a tricycle that later crashed into a jeepney, among other incidents.

Vitaly was charged with unjust vexation, alarm and scandal, and attempted theft. The BI said he disrupted public peace and safety and committed acts deemed contrary to morals, good customs, and public policy.

‘Hope you learned your lesson’: Vitaly told after post about Philippine jail experience