Secret video revealed as Sydney man faces terror charge in Bulgaria

Covert surveillance video exclusively obtained by 7 News will form part of a terrorism case against a Sydney man charged in Bulgaria.

Prosecutors say their case against 21 year old John Zahkariev is strong.

The footage was filmed on the streets of Sofia when Australian authorities tipped off their Bulgarian counterparts.

But, in an interview with 7 News, prosecutors say warnings also came from the US’ FBI.

“In accordance with the information we have, the prosecution thinks, yes, he was involved in terrorism,” Detelina Yotova from the Bulgarian Special Prosecutor's Office said.

“There is enough material gathered that speaks against him."

Seven News has learned that material includes this surveillance, phone taps and information removed from John Zahkariev’s devices.

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Zakhariev was a Waverley College student who later converted to Islam and joined the controversial street Dawah Group.

He crossed into Syria in 2013.

More recently he went to a firing range and learned to shoot an AK-47.

“We cannot say whether he was an imminent threat but that fact that he undertook that training is disturbing, “ Mrs Yotova said.

“The prosecution is convinced he was training himself for military action either here or in a territory in another country.”

As with many parts of Europe, immigration is a hot topic in Bulgaria.

They’re worried about large numbers of people entering from Syria and Iraq, and whether that has implications for national security.

Zakhariev case will recommence this week.