Sri Vijaya Puram, April 27: Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov, a 24-year-old American YouTuber known as Neo-Orientalist, was granted bail following his controversial trespass onto the protected North Sentinel Island. Arrested by the Andaman and Nicobar Crime Investigation Department (CID) on March 31, 2025. Polyakov had been charged under India’s Foreigners Act, 1946, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Amendment Regulation, 2012. These laws strictly prohibit unauthorized entry to safeguard the isolated Sentinelese tribe from external diseases and ensure their cultural preservation.
Polyakov, a self-described “thrill-seeker,” operates a channel that documents his daring escapades, including ventures into Taliban-controlled territories. His latest expedition marked his third attempt to reach North Sentinel Island, following previous failed efforts in October 2024 and January 2025. Authorities confiscated his inflatable boat, GPS device, GoPro camera, and other equipment used in this illegal journey.
The volunteer for the US Consulate, Mohammed Jadwet, confirmed to The Wave Andaman that Polyakov was granted bail on April 26. A local advocate is working to extend his visa as legal proceedings continue. Jadwet revealed that an official from the US Consulate had arrived earlier to oversee the case, and Polyakov’s parents are expected to join him in the islands soon.
Despite the bail, Polyakov will remain in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands until the court delivers its final verdict. “The legal outcome will dictate how long he stays here,” Jadwet said, emphasizing the complexities of the case.
Polyakov’s bold adventure included carrying symbolic offerings, a coconut and cola can, meant for the Sentinelese tribe. On March 29, he sailed from Kurma Dera Beach in an inflatable boat, briefly landing on the northeastern shore of North Sentinel Island to leave his gifts, collect sand samples, and record a video. His actions, observed by local fishermen, led to his arrest two days later.
