Former Western special forces operatives, including veterans from elite British and Australian units, have reportedly been recruited to train Russian nationals and active-duty military personnel. According to intelligence assessments reviewed by outlets including The Telegraph, these training operations have taken place in European camps situated in countries such as Bulgaria and Serbia since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Intelligence Assessments and Five Eyes Findings
An evaluation conducted for the intelligence services of the Five Eyes alliance concluded with a high degree of certainty that former Western military personnel are training Russian citizens. The findings stem largely from a note prepared for the Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS). This document incorporates testimony from two former members of the Australian special forces and an active reservist who were approached to work as instructors.
The intelligence note identifies a combat training camp managed by Alfa-Metal in Mejdeni, located in northern Bulgaria. According to the document, the facility employs instructors from several Western military branches, including the British Special Air Service (SAS), the Australian Commando Regiment, as well as personnel from Western police forces and the United States Navy.
Alfa-Metal offers specialized training programs geared toward private military contractors, bodyguards, and corporate security details. These courses reportedly include advanced close-quarter combat instruction and sniper training, priced at approximately 4,000 euros per person. Australian veterans interviewed during the intelligence-gathering process stated that facility employees confirmed Russian nationals were still being trained at the site into 2025.
Corporate Links and Online Recruitment Evidence
Open-source indicators corroborate elements of the intelligence findings. The official website of Alfa-Metal displays the SAS logo on a page dedicated to its team. Additionally, the company published a job listing on LinkedIn targeting a former member of the British SAS with extensive operational and instructional experience. The same digital footprint points to a U.S. veteran who served for 12 years in the U.S. Army Special Operations Command.
Alfa-Metal maintains operational links to Alfa Region, a St. Petersburg-based private security firm that promotes the training camp on its website. Alfa Region advertises courses tailored for private military contractors alongside instructors boasting backgrounds in special forces and police units across various nations. However, when contacted by The Telegraph, Alfa-Metal denied employing former SAS members or maintaining formal ties with British special forces.