Police make local arrest in connection to Vietnam murder

By Jeannie Penehuro/

Apia, SAMOA – 28 May 2026 – Police last night arrested a local businessman at Faleolo International Airport while he was about to leave the country.

According to reports, the businessman, linked to the Unalei Car Rentals at Vailoa, Faleata, was already inside the Air New Zealand flight bound for New Zealand when police arrived and executed an arrest warrant.

It is suspected that the arrest is linked to the police investigation into the recent shooting in Vietnam where two Samoan men have confessed to the killing of an Australian based Samoan, Lorenzo Lemalu and both are currently under police custody in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

According to reports, the men, Vaa Vaa and Steve Tafia were employees of the Unalei Car Rental and stand accused for the murder of the Sydney based Coconut Cartel Gang leader, Lorenzo Lemalu who was shot with another person in a restaurant in Ho Chi Minh city on 21 May.

Police in Australia suspect the incident is gang related between the Coconut Cartel Gang and Vietnamese gang Alameddine.

TV footage released publicly in Vietnam of one of the suspects being held by local police.

Early this week, the Acting Police Commissioner, Leiataua Samuelu Afamasaga, said the SPPCS investigating all details surrounding the crime, including the use of false identities or passports with different names.

Police are also checking if the suspects used fake passports or aliases to hide their true identities.

Suspects Admit to Crime in Television Statements.
Vietnamese media VTV9 confirmed the 2 suspects were caught trying to escape Vietnam.

Vietnamese police publicly displayed the two suspects during a televised broadcast aired by Vietnam’s state broadcaster, VTV9.

The footage showed heavy police presence as Steve Tafia and Joseph Va’a appeared in handcuffs, making statements about their involvement.

Both men admitted to participating in the shooting, which resulted in the death of Lorenzo Lemalu and left another person, identified as Sam Sauni, critically injured.

Joseph Va’a confessed to using a gun during the shooting.

He said he directly shot and killed Lorenzo Lemalu. Va’a expressed remorse for his actions and noted that Vietnamese police treated him well during his detention.

Both men appeared under strict police supervision while giving their statements.

Steve Tafia also confessed and explained he was hired to find Lorenzo Lemalu and another victim, Sauni, with the intention to kill them.

He admitted he planned to escape Vietnam but was caught by Vietnamese police.

Steve warned others against coming to Vietnam to commit crimes, saying they would be arrested.

Police look for Conner Strickert
As part of their investigation, police have issued a public notice asking the community for assistance in locating a 25-year-old Asian man Conner Strickert.

Strickert is wanted for questioning on an ongoing investigation by police.

The notice is also urging Strickert to present himself at a near-by police outpost and the public is warned not to approach him if seen but to report to the police.

It is not certain whether Strickert and the arrest at Faleolo are linked as police investigations continue.

The Deputy Police Commissioner, Leauasalilo Norman Meni added that this is the first time such an incident has happened involving Samoan nationals, making it a serious matter for the country.