A Russian tourist is facing criminal charges in Vietnam after performing so-called 'scorpion-style' motorcycle stunts that sparked public outrage. Yulia Nikitina, 34, was questioned by police following the circulation of videos showing her lying flat on a moving motorbike and lifting her legs into the air, exposing her underwear while riding in traffic.
The stunts, filmed on highways around the resort town of Nha Trang, were widely condemned on Vietnamese social media as reckless, offensive, and disrespectful. Local authorities launched an urgent investigation, tracing the motorcycle through multiple owners before establishing it had been gifted to Nikitina by another Russian national.
During questioning, Nikitina admitted to performing the manoeuvres on public roads earlier this year. Police said her actions violated traffic safety laws and showed signs of the criminal offence of 'causing public disorder.' The case has now been transferred to the Criminal Investigation Division.
Under Vietnamese law, serious public-order cases can carry prison sentences of up to seven years, particularly where behaviour endangers others or causes widespread public alarm. Even if prosecutors opt for a lesser charge, administrative penalties could include heavy fines, confiscation of the vehicle, and forced departure from the country.
Vietnamese media highlighted the perceived sexualised nature of the stunt, noting Nikitina was wearing a short skirt and exposing her underwear. Such behaviour is seen as disrespectful to local culture and an insult to public decency, especially when carried out by a foreign visitor. Local police urged all residents and visitors to comply with road traffic safety laws, warning that dangerous or offensive acts would be punished.
