A leaked intelligence memo suggests that elite Western special forces veterans, including SAS and Navy SEALs, have been recruited to train Russian personnel in European camps.
- Leaked memo reveals Western veterans recruited to train Russian citizens and active military.
- Training camps in Bulgaria and Serbia allegedly hosted Russian clients post-2022.
- Russia's manpower crisis is driving the need for external specialized training.
A high-level intelligence assessment compiled for the Five Eyes agencies has revealed, with "strong confidence," that Western military veterans have been recruited to train Russian citizens and active-duty personnel. The leak, obtained by The Telegraph, points to a clandestine network of training facilities operating within Europe, bypassing sanctions and geopolitical tensions.
Central to these allegations is Alfa-Metal, a military training company operating a camp in Mejdeni, northern Bulgaria. The facility offers advanced sniper courses and special forces training for approximately €4,000 per person. According to the memo, the camp has employed instructors from elite backgrounds, including the SAS, the Australian Commando Regiment, and US Navy SEALs.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this situation transcends simple mercenary work; it represents a critical security breach. The transfer of elite Western tactical knowledge to Russian forces—who are currently engaged in a high-intensity conflict against Ukraine—could potentially neutralize Western advantages on the battlefield. It highlights a dangerous loophole where private military training firms act as proxies for state actors.
The timing of these recruitments coincides with Russia's devastating manpower crisis. Western officials estimate that Russia has suffered 1.4 million casualties, including 500,000 deaths. Intelligence sources indicate that Moscow is losing roughly 6,000 more troops per month than it can recruit, forcing the Kremlin to seek supplemental training for its soldiers outside its own borders.
"The utilization of Western special forces expertise by the Russian state is a strategic betrayal that undermines the security of the entire NATO alliance."
While Alfa-Metal has denied employing SAS veterans and denied training Russians since the 2022 invasion, evidence suggests otherwise. The company's own website previously featured the SAS logo, and LinkedIn advertisements specifically sought "UK citizens" with SAS backgrounds. Furthermore, links to Alfa Region, a St Petersburg-based security firm, further tie the operation to Russia.
| Detail | Intelligence Memo Claim | Alfa-Metal Response |
|---|---|---|
| SAS Instructors | Recruited and active | Never employed SAS members |
| Russian Clients | Trained post-2022 invasion | No Russians trained since invasion |
| Russian Links | Connected to Alfa Region (SPb) | Only historical professional contacts |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it legal for former SAS members to train foreign militaries?
Under UK and Australian law, it is illegal for former special forces staff to use their specialized training to assist a foreign state, especially one designated as an adversary.
2. Which agencies are investigating this?
The Australian Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) is currently leading the investigation, with findings expected to be shared across the Five Eyes network.
