Ex-Aussie soldiers allegedly recruited to instruct Russian forces in Serbia
An intelligence memo says former Australian special forces soldiers were asked to become instructors at a private military company in Serbia.
An intelligence memo is based on interviews with two former Australian special forces operatives. The operatives say they were approached to become instructors at a private military company.
The company operates in a Serbian forest. The company offers advanced sniper training and close-quarters combat courses.
It openly advertises training for Russian military operators. The company's website domain is hosted in Moscow.
The memo also says the operation has trained Chinese operatives. A second company reportedly trains Russians in Bulgaria.
It employs instructors from the UK SAS, the Australian Commando Regiment and the US Navy SEALs. Former SAS officer and Liberal MP Andrew Hastie said accepting such roles without approval would be treason against Australia.
The Defence Minister said unauthorised military personnel accepting instructor roles would break Australia's Safeguarding Military Secrets laws. These laws carry penalties of up to 20 years in prison.
- 2 Australian special forces
- Former operatives interviewed
- Chinese operatives
- Other trained at facility
- 20 years
- Maximum prison sentence
- Bulgaria company
- SAS instructors also in
Why it mattersIf confirmed, the allegations would expose a potential loophole allowing former Australian military to work against Australia's interests and support Russia's war effort in Ukraine.
