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Western military veterans allegedly training Russians in Bulgaria and Serbia
A leaked intelligence assessment, prepared for the Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS) and shared within the Five Eyes network, alleges that Western military veterans have been recruited to train Russian citizens and active-duty personnel. The report, which claims 'high confidence' in its findings, suggests that these training sessions have taken place at private combat camps in Bulgaria and Serbia, even continuing after the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The document identifies instructors with backgrounds in elite units, including the British SAS, US Navy SEALs, and the Australian Commando Regiment. One specific location mentioned is the Alfa-Metal combat-training center in Mejdeni, northern Bulgaria. The facility reportedly offers specialized courses, such as advanced sniper training and close-quarters combat, with costs around €4,000 per person.
Alfa-Metal has categorically denied the allegations, stating they have never employed SAS veterans or provided training to Russians or anyone fighting on Russia's side. The company maintains that its training is for legitimate security professionals, including bodyguards and corporate security teams, and asserts that they have not had significant Russian clients since 2020.
Entities
Alfa-Metal · Australian Secret Intelligence Service · British Special Air Service · Five Eyes · Mejdeni · Navy SEALs · SAS · US Navy SEALs
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 13 SOURCES] Alfa-Metal categorically denies the allegations. www.oslobodjenje.ba · www.ibtimes.co.uk · www.24sata.hr · clubz.bg · www.denik.cz · +8 more
- [● 14 SOURCES] The report identifies instructors with backgrounds in the British SAS, US Navy SEALs, and Australian special forces. www.oslobodjenje.ba · www.plovdiv24.bg · www.vesti.bg · www.ibtimes.co.uk · www.index.hr · +9 more
- [● 14 SOURCES] The training reportedly includes advanced close-quarters combat. www.oslobodjenje.ba · www.plovdiv24.bg · www.vesti.bg · www.ibtimes.co.uk · www.index.hr · +9 more
- [● 14 SOURCES] The training allegedly continued after the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. www.oslobodjenje.ba · www.plovdiv24.bg · www.vesti.bg · www.ibtimes.co.uk · www.index.hr · +9 more
- [● 14 SOURCES] The Alfa-Metal combat-training center in Mejdeni, Bulgaria, is specifically named in the document. www.oslobodjenje.ba · www.plovdiv24.bg · www.vesti.bg · www.ibtimes.co.uk · www.index.hr · +9 more
- [● 14 SOURCES] A leaked intelligence assessment prepared for the Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS) claims Western military veterans have been recruited to train Russian nationals with 'high confidence'. www.oslobodjenje.ba · www.plovdiv24.bg · www.vesti.bg · www.ibtimes.co.uk · www.index.hr · +9 more
- [● 14 SOURCES] Training allegedly takes place at private camps in Bulgaria and Serbia. www.oslobodjenje.ba · www.plovdiv24.bg · www.vesti.bg · www.ibtimes.co.uk · www.index.hr · +9 more
- [● 14 SOURCES] The assessment was based on interviews with two former Australian special forces members and one active reservist. www.oslobodjenje.ba · www.plovdiv24.bg · www.ibtimes.co.uk · www.index.hr · www.24sata.hr · +9 more