Yulia Nikitina, 34, was accused of making “sexually provocative” stunts while riding a motorbike on public roads and authorities have launched an investigation into the case
A female Russian tourist faces criminal charges in Vietnam over ‘scorpion-style’ motorcycle stunts that sparked public outrage.
Yulia Nikitina, 34, was hauled in by police for questioning after videos showing her performing “dangerous and sexually provocative” acts on public roads. She was allegedly seen on social media lying flat on a moving motorbike, lifting her legs into the air in a so-called “scorpion” pose exposing her underwear while riding in traffic.
The “influencer-style” stunts, filmed on highways around resort Nha Trang, were widely condemned by Vietnamese social media users. They were seen as reckless, offensive and disrespectful in a country where road safety and public behaviour are treated seriously.
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Following a public outcry, the regional Traffic Police Division launched an urgent investigation, tracing the motorcycle used in the videos through multiple owners before establishing that it had been gifted to Nikitina by another Russian national.
When questioned by police, the woman admitted performing the manoeuvres on public roads earlier this year, according to reports. Officers 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 for further handling. Vietnamese law allows prison sentences of up to seven years in serious public-order cases, particularly where behaviour endangers others or causes widespread public alarm.
Even if prosecutors opt for a lesser charge, administrative penalties could still include heavy fines, confiscation of the vehicle, and forced departure from the country.
Vietnamese media and commenters highlighted the perceived sexualised nature of the stunt, noting that the rider was wearing a short skirt and exposing her underwear while performing manoeuvres in traffic.
In Vietnam, such behaviour is seen as disrespectful to local culture and an insult to public decency, particularly when carried out by a foreign visitor.
Viral stunts designed for social media fame will be dealt with strictly, say reports. Local police in the communist state urged all residents and visitors to “strictly comply with road traffic safety laws”, warning that dangerous or offensive acts would be punished to ensure a “safe and civilised traffic environment”.
The Russian woman has not commented on the outcry over her social media content. She is believed to be currently living in Vietnam, which has become a popular destination for Russians during the war with Ukraine.
