A leaked intelligence memorandum revealed sensitive data about the participation of former members of Western special forces, believed to include individuals who previously served in the British Special Forces (SAS), in training Russian citizens and Russian military personnel inside combat camps in Europe.
According to the memorandum seen by the Telegraph newspaper, an assessment prepared for the intelligence services of the “Five Eyes” countries concluded that there was “strong confidence” that Western veterans were recruited to train Russians, including elements in active military service.
The memo is based on interviews with two former Australian special forces personnel and a serving reservist, who said they had received offers to work as instructors at camps in Bulgaria and Serbia that allegedly received Russian trainees.
The memorandum indicates that the Alpha Metal military training center in northern Bulgaria includes trainers from various backgrounds, including the British Special Forces (SAS), the Australian Special Forces, and the US Navy SEALs.
The center offers special forces courses and advanced training in sniping for about 4,000 euros per person, and targets those wishing to work for private military companies, personal protection, and institutional security.
According to the memorandum, since the start of the war in Ukraine in 2022, special training camps in Europe have continued to receive Russian citizens for courses that include “advanced combat in closed spaces.”
Former Australian military personnel also reported that they received information from current employees that Russian training would continue at the center until 2025.
These allegations come in light of a severe manpower crisis facing Russia, as Western officials estimate its losses in the war at about 1.4 million soldiers, including up to 500,000 dead, while intelligence estimates indicate that Moscow is losing about 6,000 more soldiers per month than it is able to recruit.
On the other hand, the Alpha Metal Center categorically denied hiring former SAS members or training Russian citizens since the start of the war, describing the allegations as “false.”
The memorandum is currently under investigation by the Australian Intelligence Service, with expectations that the results of the investigation will be shared with Britain and the United States through the “Five Eyes” network.
Under British and Australian laws, it is illegal for former special forces personnel to use their military skills to assist a foreign country.
