A Mandurah man has been identified as the Australian tourist at the centre of a viral video showing a violent outburst inside a café in Vietnam that caused extensive property damage and attracted international attention. The man, identified as 34-year-old Shaymus Lilly, was detained by Vietnamese authorities following the incident at Ge Café in the coastal city of Da Nang.
According to reports, Lilly, originally from Mandurah and currently based in Hoi An, operates a brand strategy business and had been living in Vietnam before the incident. Authorities allege he entered Ge Café late on the evening of May 29 before becoming involved in a dispute that escalated dramatically. CCTV footage later shared online showed a shirtless man smashing furniture, damaging café equipment, breaking glass windows, and destroying customer property.
Witnesses and café management claim the disturbance began after another customer offered Lilly a mobile phone to assist with translation. When asked to return the device, he allegedly refused and continued using it. Staff attempted to resolve the situation, but the confrontation quickly deteriorated. Café owners allege Lilly then removed his shirt, threatened customers, and began destroying items throughout the venue.
Video footage captured chairs being thrown, coffee machines destroyed, windows shattered, and personal belongings including laptops and mobile phones damaged during the rampage. Several customers reportedly fled the premises while others became trapped on upper levels of the building as the incident unfolded. Authorities estimate the total damage exceeded AUD $25,000, with some reports placing losses closer to AUD $27,000.
Police arrived within minutes and attempted to detain the suspect. Reports indicate Lilly tried to evade officers by moving through the building before being restrained and taken into custody. Video later showed police escorting him from the café in handcuffs while wearing only his underwear.
In the hours leading up to the incident, Lilly reportedly posted a series of unusual messages and livestream videos on social media. In one post, he wrote that he needed help and expressed a desire to return to Australia. Other videos allegedly showed him behaving erratically and making claims about threats against him. Family members reportedly commented online, indicating efforts were being made to bring him home.
Vietnamese authorities continue to investigate the incident, and local police have reportedly detained Lilly for questioning while determining potential charges. Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it is providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian detained in Vietnam.
The incident has generated widespread reaction both in Australia and Vietnam, with many expressing support for the café owners. Despite offers of financial assistance from members of the public, Ge Café has asked supporters not to donate money and instead encouraged customers to return when the business reopens.
