2 hrs ago
Report Alleges UK Veterans Trained Russian Soldiers in Bulgaria
A report says some retired British special forces soldiers may have trained Russian people in Bulgaria.
The training was allegedly arranged through a company called Alfa Metal.
The report says the people trained included Russian citizens and serving soldiers.
Britain supports Ukraine in its war against Russia, which makes the claim controversial.
UK law is also described as banning former military personnel from training foreign soldiers.
Alfa Metal says it did not employ former Special Air Service soldiers and has no connection to a Russian company named Alfa Region.
Australian intelligence officials are investigating the claims.
The British government did not discuss the specific allegations but said it has strong laws against hostile foreign activity.
A leaked intelligence memo reportedly alleges that former British Special Air Service personnel trained Russian citizens and active-duty personnel.
The training was allegedly conducted at Alfa Metal’s combat camp in Mejdeni, northern Bulgaria.
Alfa Metal denied employing Special Air Service veterans or having links to the Russian firm Alfa Region.
The claims are reportedly being investigated by the Australian Secret Intelligence Service and may be shared with Britain and the United States.
The UK government declined to comment specifically, while its Defence Ministry said robust laws address hostile foreign activity.
- Who
- The report concerns alleged former British Special Air Service personnel, Alfa Metal, Russian trainees, and the Australian Secret Intelligence Service.
- What
- A leaked memo allegedly says elite British military veterans trained Russian citizens and active-duty personnel.
- Where
- The alleged training took place at Alfa Metal’s combat camp in Mejdeni, northern Bulgaria.
- When
- The alleged training continued at least until 2025, according to the report, three years after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
- Why
- The veterans were allegedly recruited as instructors for military and security training; the articles do not establish a further motive.
Report and intelligence allegations
Company and government responses
Whether British veterans provided training
Report and intelligence allegations
A leaked intelligence memo reportedly alleges that former Special Air Service personnel trained Russian citizens and active-duty personnel through Alfa Metal.
Company and government responses
Alfa Metal said it has neither employed Special Air Service veterans nor had any connection with Alfa Region.
Russian connection to the training camp
Report and intelligence allegations
The report said the Russian security company Alfa Region advertised Alfa Metal’s camp on its website.
Company and government responses
Alfa Metal denied having any link with Alfa Region.
Legal and security implications
Report and intelligence allegations
The allegations appear to conflict with the UK National Security Act’s prohibition on former armed forces personnel training foreign soldiers.
Company and government responses
The UK Defence Ministry said Britain has robust legislation to address hostile foreign activity, while the government declined to comment on the specific claims.
Key facts
- Alleged instructors
- Former personnel from the British Special Air Service, according to the leaked memo
- Reported training site
- Alfa Metal’s combat camp in Mejdeni, northern Bulgaria
- Reported trainees
- Russian citizens and active-duty personnel
- Training cost
- About $4,600 per person for special forces and advanced sniper courses
- Investigation
- The Australian Secret Intelligence Service is reportedly investigating the memo
- UK government response
- The government declined to comment on the specific allegations
- Company response
- Alfa Metal denied employing Special Air Service veterans or having links to Alfa Region
Sources
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