Three BI Officials Out After Shocking Video Scandal Involving Russian Vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy
VITALY ZDOROVETSKIY – Vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy has caused a major stir in the Bureau of Immigration, leading to the dismissal of three officials.
Although Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy has already left the Philippines, he continues to create challenges for officials at the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
Palace press officer Claire Castro revealed on Thursday that three BI officials were relieved from their duties after Zdorovetskiy was able to record videos while in the bureau’s custody. The incident has intensified claims that the vlogger received preferential treatment during his detention.
Photo Source: ABS-CBN
Castro said Malacañang has addressed the issue with the BI, which confirmed that Zdorovetskiy could indeed record during the early days of his time in their detention facility.
“So because of that, three immigration officials were dismissed and several cell phones were confiscated,”
Castro stated during a press briefing.
She also assured the public that the case remains under investigation, warning that additional officials could face dismissal if found negligent in performing their duties.
Zdorovetskiy was arrested in April last year for disruptive actions, including harassing a security guard and taking control of a tricycle, which he later crashed into a parked jeepney.
He was subsequently declared an undesirable alien and deported back to Russia on Jan. 17 this year.
The controversy over the alleged special treatment has drawn public attention, raising concerns about accountability and protocol within the BI. Castro emphasized that Malacañang is closely monitoring the situation to ensure that proper measures are taken.
Photo Source: Inquirer
Relieving the three officials signals a firm stance against irregularities in handling detainees, particularly high-profile ones, and serves as a reminder to all employees that violations of rules will have consequences.
Even though Zdorovetskiy is no longer in the country, the fallout from his detention highlights the need for strict enforcement of immigration policies and continued transparency in the bureau’s operations.
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