American YouTuber Arrested After Illegally Visiting Isolated Tribe’s Island

PORT BLAIR, India — A 24-year-old American YouTuber, Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov, was arrested on March 31, 2025, for illegally entering North Sentinel Island, a restricted area in India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands, home to the isolated Sentinelese tribe. Polyakov, from Scottsdale, Arizona, allegedly sought viral content by filming his visit, leaving a can of Diet Coke and a coconut as offerings, and collecting sand samples. His actions have sparked outrage and reignited debates over influencer ethics and indigenous protections.

On March 29, Polyakov reportedly used an inflatable boat and GPS to reach the island, which is off-limits to protect the Sentinelese from external diseases and preserve their way of life. Indian authorities detained him in Port Blair after local fishermen spotted him. He faces charges under laws protecting tribal reserves, with potential penalties of up to five years in prison and a fine. On April 16, a court rejected his bail plea, extending his custody until April 29.

The incident has drawn comparisons to the 2018 killing of American missionary John Allen Chau by the Sentinelese, highlighting the dangers of unauthorized visits. Advocacy groups like Survival International condemned Polyakov’s stunt as “deeply disturbing,” citing risks to the tribe’s health and safety. The case underscores the growing tension between social media-driven adventures and legal safeguards for uncontacted peoples.

Polyakov’s YouTube channel, known for travel content, has fueled speculation that the visit was motivated by a quest for views. As the legal process unfolds, this saga serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of crossing ethical and legal boundaries in pursuit of online fame.