US Tourist Arrested For Breaking Tribal Protection Law
An American thrill-seeker was arrested for illegally entering North Sentinel Island, home to one of the world’s last uncontacted tribes. The US tourist arrested, Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov, 24, sparked international outrage for risking the lives of the Sentinelese by exposing them to potential diseases.
The island, located in India’s Andaman archipelago, is protected by strict laws that prohibit any outside contact. Polyakov defied those laws by bringing a coconut and Diet Coke as “gifts” for the tribe during his secret journey.
GoPro Footage Reveals Reckless Journey
Authorities say Polyakov used an inflatable boat to cross 25 miles of open sea. After arriving near the island, he recorded himself blowing a whistle and briefly stepping ashore before fleeing. The entire encounter was captured on his GoPro camera.
He later returned to his hotel, where suspicious behavior led locals to alert police. Investigators confiscated his equipment, including fuel, binoculars, and GPS gear. Officials believe the journey was meticulously planned, as he studied tide conditions and mapped access points in advance.
US Tourist Arrested After History Of Risky Travels
Polyakov, who uploads videos under the name “Neo-Orientalist,” previously visited Taliban-controlled Afghanistan and filmed himself handling firearms. His online presence promotes high-risk travel, often glamorizing trips to politically unstable regions.
He now faces three to five years in prison for violating India’s Protection of Aboriginal Tribes Act. Indian authorities are working to determine whether he had help from locals during his unauthorized expedition.
Global Concern Over Threat To Tribe
Experts warn that uncontacted tribes like the Sentinelese have no immunity to common diseases, and even minimal exposure could lead to disaster. Caroline Pearce of Survival International called Polyakov’s actions “reckless and idiotic.”
She emphasized the tribe’s clear desire to avoid all outside contact. “The Sentinelese have made it clear for years: they don’t want visitors,” she said. “His stunt could have been deadly for them.”
North Sentinel Island remains off-limits to protect its roughly 150 inhabitants. The Indian government continues to monitor the situation while reminding outsiders that contact with the tribe is both dangerous and illegal.
