Sydney gang conflict reaches Vietnam as police arrest two suspects in Ho Chi Minh City shooting
A deadly shooting linked to Sydney’s ongoing gang conflict has spilled overseas after a 24-year-old man was shot dead outside a restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on Thursday evening.
Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security announced on Monday that two suspects allegedly connected to the shooting involving a group of foreign nationals in Ben Thanh Ward had been arrested. Authorities said the operation was carried out jointly by the ministry’s investigative units and Ho Chi Minh City Police.
Video footage of the attack, which surfaced last week, appears to show a hooded gunman wearing a hat approaching the group from behind before opening fire with a pistol. The victim, identified as Lemalu, is seen running into the restaurant before collapsing inside.
Vietnamese authorities also confirmed that a second person was injured during the incident.
Lemalu was reportedly a senior figure in the Coconut Cartel after previously separating from a gang linked to Sydney’s Alameddine network. Investigators are examining whether the attack is connected to the ongoing battle over drug trafficking operations that has fuelled increasing violence across Sydney.
Police in Tay Ninh’s Trang Bang Ward had earlier released images and details of two Australian men they wanted to question over the case, although it remains unclear whether they are among those arrested.
Retired NSW Police sergeant Glenn Gorick described the killing as a possible warning message, saying the attack demonstrated that targets could be located anywhere.
Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security said investigations into the suspects are continuing in accordance with legal procedures.