Manila, Jan. 22 -- The Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested a 21-year-old Russian vlogger who went viral on social media for threatening to deliberately spread HIV while in the Philippines.

In a statement Thursday, Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado identified the foreign national as Nikita Chekhov, who was arrested inside a condominium building in Quezon City.

He arrived in the country as a tourist on Jan. 15. Shortly after his arrival, he uploaded videos filmed in Bonifacio High Street in Taguig City, where he made alarming claims that he intended to spread HIV during his stay.

The videos - believed to be made as "rage bait" content - sparked widespread concern and fear among residents and online users.

Chekhov is a native of Taganrog, ...