Russian vlogger Nikita Chekhov, who went viral for threatening to deliberately spread HIV while in the Philippines, has tested negative for the virus, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) confirmed.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the medical examination, conducted in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH), showed that Chekhov was non-reactive for HIV.
“He was likewise tested for other related illnesses, all of which yielded negative results,” Viado added.
The 21-year-old vlogger was arrested in Quezon City following his controversial social media posts. The negative test results support the BI’s initial assessment that his threats were “rage-bait,” intended to provoke fear and gain online attention.
Viado said Chekhov now faces deportation charges for undesirability due to the public panic his posts caused. He assured that the BI continues to work with other government agencies to hold foreign nationals accountable for violating Philippine laws.
The commissioner also addressed a separate viral video by blacklisted Russian national Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, who claimed “inhumane” conditions inside the BI Warden Facility.
Viado clarified that no pregnant women or children are being held at the facility and called the video “rage-bait” designed to generate views.
An internal investigation revealed Zdorovetskiy recorded the video using a smuggled mobile phone. “Personnel found remiss in their duties were identified and removed from their posts,” Viado said.
