A leaked report compiled for Five Eyes intelligence agencies alleges that British Special Air Service (SAS) and U.S. Navy SEAL veterans are among Western ex-servicemen training Russian citizens and active-duty military personnel at camps in Bulgaria. The assessment, reportedly originating from the Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS), suggests these training operations are preparing individuals to fight in Ukraine.
The report identifies the Alfa-Metal center, a military training company located in Mejdeni, northern Bulgaria, as a facility allegedly hiring instructors from diverse backgrounds, including SAS, the Australian Commando Regiment, U.S. police forces, and Navy SEALs. This center reportedly offers special forces training and advanced sniper courses for approximately €5,000 (£4,292) per person, marketing its services to personnel from major security companies, bodyguards, and private military companies.
According to the leaked findings, these private training camps in Europe have continued to train Russian citizens since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with the camp reportedly continuing to train Russian nationals in 2025. The Alfa-Metal center's website is said to feature logos of the SAS and U.S. Navy SEALs when acknowledging its international instructors.
One report indicates that the company advertised on LinkedIn for SAS veterans, seeking a UK citizen with a strong operational background and instructional experience for its Bulgarian facility. The advertisement described the role as requiring passion for training, professionalism, and raising standards.
The Alfa-Metal center's website states it is the Bulgarian representative office for the UK-based Alfa Metal Ltd and claims to have trained over 7,000 professionals. The company also introduced drone training courses in 2025 after becoming a certified Aviation Training Center, with advanced drone courses priced at €5,500 (£4,723).
It is illegal under both UK and Australian law for former special forces personnel to use their training to assist a foreign state. Some sources within the SAS have reportedly dismissed these accusations, describing such actions as a betrayal of their values and expressing surprise that such activities would occur without wider knowledge within the community.
The leaked memo is reportedly under investigation by the Australian SIS and findings are likely to be shared with the UK and U.S. through the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing network. The Daily Mail stated it has been unable to independently verify these claims.
This report emerges amidst ongoing developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Recent Russian strikes on Kyiv have resulted in civilian casualties, prompting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to accuse Russia of 'senseless terror.' Ukraine has also appealed to its allies for increased support, particularly air defense systems and funding, to counter Russia's ongoing aerial bombardments. Ukraine's Defense Minister Yevhenii Khmara has highlighted a significant funding deficit and a need for specific military supplies, including Patriot missiles and drones, to implement their defense strategy effectively through the winter.