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Oman investigates influencer for touching sea turtle hatchlings

By Drooid · Sep 30, 2026, 6:34 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Influencer Vadym Oleynik and fiancée Olena Kravchenko sat on a sea turtle at Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve in Oman.
They also held the turtle's hatchlings while posing for photos.
Oman's Environment Authority opened an investigation and said it took necessary legal action against Oleynik.
Oleynik posted a public apology and later deleted the viral video after widespread social-media backlash.

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Story summary

Influencer Vadym Oleynik and fiancée Olena Kravchenko sat on a sea turtle at Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve in Oman.
They also held the turtle's hatchlings while posing for photos.
Oman's Environment Authority opened an investigation and said it took necessary legal action against Oleynik.
Oleynik posted a public apology and later deleted the viral video after widespread social-media backlash.