EXCLUSIVE
Two young Australian men who mysteriously died in Vietnam had extensive criminal histories, including a series of charges for drug and violence offences.
Vincent Satuala Atulia, 24, and Andrew Colivas, 25, from Melbourne were holidaying with friends in Southeast Asia when they died unexpectedly last week.
Devastated relatives confirmed the pair’s deaths on social media, with friends launching fundraisers to help 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 records obtained by Daily Mail Australia show Atulia – who is a bikie associate – has been ordered to appear before court 78 times since 2019, while Colivas has 12 court appearances dating back to 2021.
Atulia’s attendances relate to 12 different matters including for driving, affray, burglary, fishing, and breaching court condition offences.
His most recent matter was in court on August 2, just three weeks before his death.
Colivas was charged on seven different occasions for offences relating to driving, affray, drugs, boating and refusing to comply with authorities. He was last in court in September last year.
Vincent Atulia, 24, died in Vietnam last Saturday
The family of Melbourne man Andrew Colivas (pictured) announced his death on Monday
In June 2020, Atulia was involved in the shooting up of a home in Ferntree Gully, in Melbourne’s east, while he was on bail for a previous offence.
Atulia and a group of men – which included Rebels bikie Scott Rye – travelled to the home, where one of the men’s ex-girlfriends lived, and fired into the top storey of the property before fleeing the scene.
No-one was hurt in the gunfire and Atulia along with four others later pleaded guilty to affray. Atulia also pleaded guilty to breaching bail and spent 35 days in prison.
When asked by the magistrate how he enjoyed his time in jail, 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 reported.
The reason for the men’s deaths remains unknown.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted DFAT for further comment.
The men’s families have created separate online fundraisers for the upcoming costs of their repatriations and funerals.
The appeal for Mr Colivas has already raised more than $35,000 while Mr Atulia’s has raised over $52,000.
Vincent Satuala Atulia (pictured) was travelling with friends in Vietnam when he died unexpectedly
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 sole financial provider for his family.
‘He was the epitome of great excellence. A young generous heart that always cared for others before himself,’ they wrote.
‘Most that knew Vincent, knew that family and God were always the centre purpose of all that he did in his short life.
‘He gave his life to provide and protect for his loving family.
‘Vincent was a faithful member of St Agatha’s Parish Cranbourne, an aspiring rugby player for the Casey Warriors rugby league team, a loyal and dedicated employee of MC Labour Hire, and an active CFMEU/CFMEU Pasifika member.’
Mr Atulia’s sister Miriama, also took to social media to share a personal tribute.
‘You did your family so proud with the life you lived, the support and protection you gave us, everything you supplied for us, money, food, clothes and a roof,’ she wrote.
‘You did more than any brother could do for a family, you were always there for us when we needed you.
‘You always had our back when something went down, you were always there on time when I’d call you, you never failed to protect our family, especially our parents.’
A relative of Andrew Colivas posted this tribute on Facebook two days ago
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, no words can describe the pain.
‘Lost my brother who taught me everything I know and made me who I am today, without you I’m lost brother.
‘We’re supposed to grow old together and watch you kill it in life and achieve your goals and lead off your 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’s going to be a long process to bring him home,’ the family wrote.
‘He was a kind, generous and selfless person that loved his family, friends and all things he attempted in life.
‘Andrew was one to go above and beyond to help and protect anyone.
‘He was dedicated member of Saint Gregorios Orthodox Church and was devoted to his faith.
‘We pray for strength during this time of grieving, may God bring you back home safely to us.’
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