Two men have been charged by Samoa Police following an investigation, assisted by the AFP, into the alleged shooting murder of an Australian citizen in Vietnam on 21 May, 2026.
The men, a New Zealand national, 31, and a Samoan national, 33, were charged on 10 September, 2026, with conspiracy to murder, contrary to section 106 of the Crimes Act 2013 (Samoa). The offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
The men appeared before a Samoan court yesterday (16 September, 2026), and were granted conditional bail.
An investigation by international law enforcement authorities began following the death of an Australian citizen and serious injuries sustained by a second Australian citizen in a shooting in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on 21 May, 2026.
Vietnamese authorities arrested two Samoan nationals, aged 22 and 26, on 24 May, 2026, over their alleged roles in the shooting.
On 27 May, 2026, Samoa Police first arrested and charged the 31-year-old in Samoa with misleading police and corruption offences as part of their investigation into the alleged murder. He was arrested while attempting to leave the country.
The AFP launched an investigation into the alleged murder to support international law enforcement authorities and identify any further individuals involved.
As part of this investigation, the AFP assisted the Samoa Police through the execution of a search warrant, financial inquiries, witness interviews and a forensic review of electronic material.
These AFP activities, and further inquiries undertaken by Samoa Police, led to an additional charge of conspiracy to murder laid against the New Zealand man and 33-year-old Samoan national.
Samoa Police will allege these men conspired with the Samoan men arrested in Vietnam to carry out the alleged murder in Vietnam.
AFP Acting Commander Pacific Greg Davis said the charges reflected the strength of international law enforcement cooperation across the Pacific and broader region.
"The AFP commends Samoa Police for its commitment, professionalism and determination throughout this investigation," a/Commander Davis said.
"The charges laid are the result of extensive cooperation between Samoa Police, Vietnamese authorities and the AFP, demonstrating what can be achieved when law enforcement agencies work together across borders.
"Organised crime does not respect national boundaries, so law enforcement agencies must work together to combat them. Criminal networks rely on international connections to facilitate serious offending, which is why regional partnerships are critical to disrupting and dismantling them.
"The Pacific remains a strong and united front against transnational organised crime, and the AFP is proud to work alongside our law enforcement partners to protect communities and pursue those who seek to cause harm."
