American YouTuber Arrested for Illegal Entry to North Sentinel Island

Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov, 24, is in judicial custody after attempting to contact the isolated Sentinelese tribe, violating Indian laws designed to protect uncontacted peoples.

Polyakov landed on North Sentinel Island on March 29, 2025, leaving offerings and recording a video before returning to the mainland.
Indian authorities arrested him on March 31, charging him under laws prohibiting entry into restricted tribal areas to safeguard Indigenous communities.
This was Polyakov's third attempt to reach the island, following failed efforts in October 2024 and January 2025.
The U.S. State Department is monitoring the situation, but has not issued further comments due to privacy considerations.
The incident has reignited discussions on the ethical and health risks of contacting uncontacted tribes, as well as the growing influence of social media-driven adventurism.