A Russian prankster – who was a streaker in the 2014 World Cup final – is ‘facing 24 years in prison’ for his latest stunt in the Philippines.
Vitaly Zdorovetskiy is a streamer best known for his mischievous content and shot to internet fame when he sprinted onto the pitch while Argentina played Germany at the Maracana, even trying to kiss defender Benedikt Howedes.
He had ‘natural born prankster’ written on his chest but that high profile stunt was not his last and Zdorovetskiy went on to perform various japes on camera all over the world.
The 33-year-old is now in extremely hot water having been arrested at Bonifacio Global City (a business estate in the Philippines), on April 2.
He is alleged to have harrassed members of the public and security guards during a Kick livestream.
YouTuber Atozy dissected the situation and claims that Zdorovetskiy now faces up to 24 years in Filipino prison and the accused was presented to the media for the first time since his arrest.
Vitaly Zdorovetskiy was presented to the media after his arrest in the Philippines
The Russian-born content creator ran onto the pitch during the 2014 World Cup final
He also was removed by security guards after streaking at the 2022 World Cup game between Argentina and the Netherlands
Philippines Interior Secretary, Jonvic Remulla, was alongside him and explained the severity of the situation, outlining what the Russian is alleged to have done.
‘Vitaly engaged in multiple disruptive and inappropriate acts, including attempting to kiss and grab him (the security guard), trying to seize his service firearm, taking pictures of him without consent, mocking other security guards, and vlogging without a permit in BGC,’ he said.
Crimes of such nature are treated incredibly seriously in the south Asian country and no court date has yet been set for Zdorovetskiy to learn his fate.
This is by no means the first time he has found himself in trouble with the authorities.
He has also streaked at the World Series and NBA Finals and was arrested for climbing the Hollywood sign in California.
Zdorovetskiy was born in Russia but left for the US with his mother when he was 14. He tried to become a professional skateboarder but gave up that dream due to injuries and pursued content creation.
He previously said he spent five days in an Egyptian prison for climbing the Pyramids of Giza but is not thought to have served any prison time for his antics at major sporting events in the US.
At the 2022 World Cup he repeated his stunt from the 2014 final, charging onto the pitch during Argentina’s quarter-final against the Netherlands.
He had ‘Vitaly the GOAT’ scrawled across his chest on that occasion and was tackled by security before being escorted away.
