Two individuals have been arrested in Vietnam in connection with a targeted shooting in Sydney's south-west that left a man fighting for his life. The victim, 27-year-old Vailena Koloamatangi, was shot multiple times in an underground carpark in Campsie on Tuesday night.
Police believe the attack was a planned assassination attempt. Koloamatangi was sitting in a white car with another person when occupants of a second vehicle approached and opened fire, striking him in the head and chest. The car attempted to flee but crashed into a metal barrier on the carpark's upper level.
Three burnt-out cars were later discovered in neighbouring suburbs, believed to be linked to the shooting. The victim was rushed to St George Hospital in a critical condition, while the second person in the vehicle fled the scene.
This incident bears similarities to a 2020 shooting where Koloamatangi was also targeted while sitting in a car with a friend. That attack injured his companion, Hasan Gotkas, who had himself survived a shooting in 2012 linked to a feud between his family and the founder of the Brothers 4 Life gang.
Vietnamese authorities arrested two suspects on Wednesday, with extradition proceedings expected. New South Wales Police have not confirmed the identities of those arrested but stated they are cooperating with international counterparts.
The shooting has shocked the local community, with a neighbour describing Koloamatangi's family as 'very peaceful people'. Police continue to investigate the motive behind the attack.
