A Russian tourist is facing the prospect of criminal prosecution and a potential prison sentence in Vietnam after videos of her performing reckless 'scorpion-style' motorbike stunts on public roads sparked a major public outcry.
Dangerous Acts on Public Highways
Yulia Nikitina, a 34-year-old Russian national, was hauled in for police questioning after footage emerged online showing her performing what authorities have labelled "dangerous and sexually provocative" acts. The videos, filmed on highways around the popular coastal resort of Nha Trang, depicted Nikitina lying flat on a moving motorbike before lifting her legs high into the air in an acrobatic 'scorpion' pose.
This manoeuvre, performed while the vehicle was in traffic, resulted in her exposing her underwear, an act that Vietnamese social media users and media outlets widely condemned as offensive and deeply disrespectful to local cultural norms.
Police Launch Urgent Investigation
Following the widespread condemnation, the regional Traffic Police Division initiated an urgent probe. Officers traced the motorcycle used in the videos through several previous owners before establishing it had been gifted to Nikitina by another Russian citizen.
When questioned, the woman admitted to performing the stunts on public roads earlier this year. Police stated her actions were a clear violation of traffic safety laws and showed signs of the criminal offence of "causing public disorder." The case has now been escalated to the Criminal Investigation Division for further handling.
Severe Legal Consequences Possible
The legal ramifications for Nikitina could be severe. Under Vietnamese law, serious public-order offences, particularly those endangering others or causing widespread alarm, can carry prison sentences of up to seven years.
Even if prosecutors pursue lesser charges, administrative penalties remain stringent and could include:
- Heavy financial fines.
- Confiscation of the motorbike used in the stunts.
- Forced departure from the country.
Local police have issued a stern warning, urging all residents and visitors to strictly comply with road traffic laws. They emphasised that dangerous or offensive acts designed for social media fame would be dealt with strictly to preserve a "safe and civilised traffic environment."
Nikitina, who is believed to be living in Vietnam, a destination that has grown in popularity with Russians since the war in Ukraine began, has not publicly commented on the furore surrounding her viral content.
