Four missing Vietnamese exchange students believed to be ‘actively avoiding authorities’ as cops continue their search

It has been more than six months since police launched their investigation into the missing Vietnamese exchange students, but the four appear to be still “actively avoiding authorities”.

The four international students who disappeared from their host homes in Adelaide at the start of the year are still subject to an active search investigation, as police say they want to “locate these youths and ensure their welfare”.

The Vietnamese exchange students – which The Advertiser understands did not attend the same school and were not placed at a public school – had gone missing between December 2023 and January of this year.

Police are still searching for the four Vietnamese students who disappeared from Adelaide. Picture: Keryn Stevens.

An SA Police spokesperson said they are continuing to work “with other agencies” which previously included the Australian Federal Police and interstate police, “to help locate these youths and ensure their welfare”.

“There is no information or evidence uncovered to date which would indicate these youths are in immediate danger,” the spokesperson told The Advertiser.

“Contact has been made with the families of the youths in Vietnam, during this contact families have not shared any concerns for the student’s welfare.

“It is believed the youths are actively avoiding authorities.”

May Zervaas host Mother to Vietnam student Sunnie Nguyen (17) who is missing. Picture 7 NEWS

Missing Vietnam exchange student Sunnie Nguyen, 17. Picture 7 NEWS

The family hosting one of the Vietnamese students, – the 17-year-old Sunnie Nguyen who went missing early in January of this year, – says they are worried for the young woman’s safety.

Host mother May Zervaas said she wishes for Sunnie to “turn herself into the police, so she can go home to her family”.

“It’s very frightening not knowing where Sunnie is,” Ms Zervaas said. “I am a mum too, if I lose my child, I don’t think I’m going to be okay.

“Not knowing if she’s still alive or if she’s …”

Ms Zervaas said she hasn’t been in contact with SA Police since February.

“Last I spoke to the police was sometime in February,” she said. “They said if Sunnie is found or there is any progress in the investigation, they will let me know, but there is nothing more I can do now.

“The last I heard from them is that Sunnie has not used any of her credit cards.

“I just don’t understand how she is living day-to-day without using any of her money.”

Ms Zervaas says she just hopes for the best outcome.

Originally published as Four missing Vietnamese exchange students believed to be ‘actively avoiding authorities’ as cops continue their search