Samoan Hitmen Confess to Killing Sydney Crime Figure in Vietnam

Two Samoan men have admitted to killing a Sydney crime figure in Ho Chi Minh City last May. Joseph Vaa and Steve Tofa entered Vietnam using forged passports before the incident. Their victim, Lemalu Lorenzo Tovia, was reportedly a key figure in an ongoing criminal conflict. On 21 May 2025, Vaa and Tofa shot and killed Tovia in HCM City. Authorities linked Tovia to the 'Coconut Cartel', a Sydney-based criminal group engaged in a feud with the Alameddine network. The killers confessed to the murder shortly after their arrest.

Separately, in late May 2025, a young man from Perth caused significant damage to a Da Nang cafe. His social media activity before the incident indicated he may have been experiencing mental health struggles. Access to emergency mental health services for expatriates in Vietnam remains limited.

This incident follows the unexplained deaths of Vincent Atulia and Andrew Colivas in Da Nang in August 2024. Despite these cases, Australians are generally well-regarded in Vietnam, though isolated events can affect perceptions. The cases highlight both security and mental health challenges for foreigners in Vietnam. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding these incidents. The country remains a popular destination for cultural experiences and personal growth.