Alleged plotters behind Vietnam gang murder charged

Sydney-based gang boss, Lorenzo Lemalu, 24, was gunned down outside a seafood restaurant in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, on May 21.

Another Australian citizen also sustained serious injuries in the incident.

Vietnamese authorities earlier arrested two Samoan nationals, aged 22 and 26, on May 24 for allegedly carrying out the shooting. 

Following a four-month international investigation police arrested a charged a 31-year-old New Zealand man and 33-year-old Samoan man on September 10, who allegedly planned the crime.

The men were granted bail when they faced court on Wednesday, charged with conspiracy to murder.

If found guilty, the men face a maximum penalty of life behind bars.

The New Zealand man was initially charged in May with misleading police and corruption offences as part of their investigation into the alleged murder.

He was arrested while attempting to leave the country.

Lemalu's funeral in June was also targeted, with two teenagers allegedly unloading 30 rounds from a semi-automatic rifle at the Punchbowl venue in western Sydney.

NSW Police arrested and charged the 17-year-old and a 23-year-old alleged gunmen.

To support in the latest arrests, the AFP assisted Samoan Police through the execution of a search warrant, financial inquiries, witness interviews and a forensic review of electronic material.

AFP's Pacific acting commander Greg Davis said combating organised crime required international law enforcement agencies to work together.

"Organised crime does not respect national boundaries, so law enforcement agencies must work together to combat them," he said.

"Criminal networks rely on international connections to facilitate serious offending, which is why regional partnerships are critical to disrupting and dismantling them.

"The AFP commends Samoa Police for its commitment, professionalism and determination throughout this investigation."