A high-profile rapper is one of six men accused of kidnapping a man and ripping his teeth out with pliers for a $5 million ransom offer.
20-year-old Valeli Tonga, also known as ‘Leli SK’, was arrested on March 14 after 26-year-old Peter Vuong was rescued by dozens of heavily armed tactical police officers from a derelict building in Belmore, southwest Sydney.
Police will allege that Vuong was abducted from his influencer girlfriend’s home in Smithfield six days earlier and was allegedly tied up and tortured as his accused captors attempted to extort her wealthy crypto trader relative for his safe return.
Now Daily Mail Australia can reveal that Tonga, one of the alleged kidnappers, is a rising star in popular drill-rap group Sydney Yungins, who regularly perform at events and clubs across Australia.
The music group – which consists of Leli SK, Rico Tonga and Titoez – has almost 10 million views on YouTube, 500 million streams on Spotify and boasts 29,400 Instagram followers.
Valeli Tonga, who performs under ‘Leli SK’, (pictured) is one of six men charged with a high-profile alleged kidnapping
The group was formed in late 2019 and is managed by independent label BHQ Records. Leli SK joined Sydney Yungins the following year, replacing an earlier member of the group.
According to their social media bio, the trio – who hail from the Pacific Islands but grew up in western parts of Sydney – have amassed around 500,000 views in two months after releasing their debut song ‘Who You With’.
“These guys are fresh on the scene with songs that fall under different genres of music. From UK drill style, hip hop party to relaxed wavey flows’, reads their YouTube page.
“Their journey has taken them to shows like the Under 18 Sticky Cheeks Block Party, For the Culture Show on the Gold Coast and Darwin City at the Opium Club.”
Rico Tonga and Titoez have not been charged in connection with the alleged kidnapping and Daily Mail Australia does not suggest they are involved.
Photos posted to social media over the past two years show Leli SK performing on stage at crowded events and posing for photos in front of hundreds of fans.
Peter Vuong, 26, and his glamorous influencer girlfriend Angel Bowyer (above, together) were sleeping at her family’s home in Smithfield when he was allegedly kidnapped at gunpoint and taken to a filthy house 12 miles away and tortured
The filthy home where Peter Vuong was taken and reportedly held for six days as his teeth were ‘forcefully’ removed with pliers
In December, Tonga shared a photo of himself sitting on the floor in front of a white Mercedes, staring admiringly at one of his group’s records as it sat on his lap, writing, “much more where they came from.”
The post was flooded with comments from friends and loved ones offering their congratulations and saying they were “proud.”
Police allege Tonga and five associates broke into the sprawling two-story home of Vuong’s girlfriend Angel Bowyer armed with sledgehammers and guns at around 5:20 a.m. on March 9.
They are then accused of having smuggled him away to the squalid property 20 km away, where they allegedly held him for days while sending messages to Ms Bowyer’s relative Tran Dinh demanding $5 million or else they’d ‘Mr Vuong chop into pieces’.
Shortly after the alleged kidnapping, a massive police operation began – eventually leading to tactical officers armed with flash grenades storming Belmore’s home and rescuing Mr. Vuong.
Four men were arrested on the Canterbury Road grounds and a further two were apprehended by officers a few blocks away.
In addition to Tonga, Viliami Siasau, 19, Sunia Siasau, 20, John Totau Fahamokioa, 20, Lolo Liavaa, 19, and Kitueau Tatafu, 21, have been charged with alleged kidnapping and torture.
The Bowyer family’s Smithfield home where Vuong was reportedly kidnapped while sleeping next to his influencer girlfriend Angel Bowyer in the early hours of March 9
Police arrest one of Mr Vuong’s alleged kidnappers after a days-long sting operation was launched to save the 26-year-old from his torture
High-flying crypto trader Tran Dinh (above with his wife) reportedly targeted for the $5 million ransom attempt
Tonga appeared in Bankstown District Court on March 15, did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody until his next hearing.
Of the six, Fahamokioa was the only one granted bail under strict conditions.
Despite Tonga’s arrest, BHQ Records has continued to promote the group’s upcoming releases on social media.
Just three days ago, Sydney Yungins announced via Instagram that their new track ‘Meet me at the bottom’ is now out on their platforms.
Tonga is due to appear in Burwood’s local court on May 10.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted BHQ Records for comment.