Vincent Atulia and Andrew Colivas: Bombshell guns and drugs twist over dark past of young Aussie duo killed in Vietnam as shocking new details emerge

EXCLUSIVE

Two young Australians who died mysteriously in Vietnam had extensive criminal records, including a string of drug and violent offences.

Vincent Satuala Atulia, 24, and Andrew Colivas, 25, from Melbourne were on holiday in Southeast Asia with friends when they died unexpectedly last week.

Stunned relatives confirmed the couple’s deaths on social media, while friends raised money to bring their bodies home.

Daily Mail Australia can reveal both men were convicted criminals who have been in and out of court over the past five years.

Court documents obtained by Daily Mail Australia show Atulia, who is a fellow motorcycle club member, has appeared in court 78 times since 2019, while Colivas has appeared in court 12 times since 2021.

Atulia has appeared in court in 12 different cases, including traffic violations, fights, burglaries, fishing and violations of the conditions of the court.

His most recent case was heard on August 2, just three weeks before his death.

Colivas was charged seven times with offences involving driving, affray, drugs, boating and refusing to comply with authorities, and was last in court in September of last year.

In June 2020, Atulia was involved in a shooting at a house in Ferntree Gully, in Melbourne’s east, while on bail for an earlier offence.

Atulia and a group of men, including Rebels biker Scott Rye, went to the home where the ex-girlfriend of one of the men lived and shot into the top floor of the property before fleeing the scene.

No one was injured in the gunfire, and Atulia and four others later pleaded guilty to affray. Atulia also pleaded guilty to violating bail and spent 35 days in jail.

When asked by the magistrate how he found his time in prison, Atulia told the court he found it “boring”, the Herald Sun reported at the time.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to the family of a man who died in Vietnam, as well as three other Australians, The Herald Sun reports.

The cause of death of the men remains unknown.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted DFAT for further comment.

The men’s families have set up separate online fundraisers to help cover the upcoming costs of their repatriation and funerals.

Mr Colivas’ appeal has already raised more than $35,000, while Mr Atulia’s has raised more than $52,000.

Mr Atulia’s family described him as a young, deeply religious man who dedicated his life to his family and friends.

He was also the only one who provided for his family.

“He was the epitome of great excellence. A young, generous heart who always cared for others before himself,” they wrote.

‘Most who knew Vincent knew that family and God were always the central goals of everything he did in his short life.

‘He gave his life to care for and protect his beloved family.

‘Vincent was a loyal member of St Agatha’s Parish Cranbourne, an aspiring rugby player for the Casey Warriors rugby team, a loyal and dedicated employee of MC Labour Hire and an active member of CFMEU/CFMEU Pasifika.’

Mr Atulia’s sister, Miriama, also shared a personal tribute on social media.

“You have made your family so proud with the life you have led, the support and protection you have given us, everything you have given us: money, food, clothing and a roof over our heads,” she wrote.

‘You have done more for a family than any brother, you were always there for us when we needed you.

‘You always supported us when something happened, you were always there on time when I called you and you always protected our family, especially our parents.’

Her brother, Douglas, added: ‘The day I lost my brother, my everything, my right hand, my leader. I still wake up hoping it wasn’t true.

‘I wish I could hear your voice and see your face one last time. The pain is beyond words.

“I lost my brother, who taught me everything I know and made me who I am today. Without you, brother, I’m lost.”

‘We should grow old together and see you get the best out of yourself in life, achieve your goals and set a good example.’

Mr. Colivas was also remembered as a religious family man and a talented athlete with a passion for boxing.

“He tragically lost his life in Vietnam and it will be a long process to get him home,” the family wrote.

‘He was a kind, generous and selfless person who loved his family, friends and all that he undertook in life.

‘Andrew was someone who did everything he could to help and protect everyone.

‘He was a devoted member of the Orthodox Church of St. Gregory and was completely committed to his faith.

‘We pray for strength in this time of grief, may God bring you home safely.’