Australian soldier awaiting trial on war crimes charges collaborates with gym supplements firm that sold 'war crimes' drink

Ben Roberts-Smith, one of Australia's most decorated living soldiers, has recently collaborated with a gym supplements company that a short time earlier sold a pre-workout drink called 'war crimes'. Roberts-Smith is currently awaiting trial on war crimes charges.

The supplements company is called Zero Limits. It is co-owned by right-wing podcaster and fitness coach Chris Katelaris, who is also known as 'Big Chocky'.

In October, a social media video collaboration appeared between Roberts-Smith's apparel brand, Epic 1 Two, and Zero Limits supplements. In the video, Roberts-Smith, Katelaris and others were filmed during a gym workout. On-screen graphics read 'Zero Limits Supplements x Epic 1 Two'.

Both brands were labelled 'collaborators' on the video. The video was published on the Instagram grids of both brands.

Roberts-Smith recently launched Epic 1 Two, an apparel brand producing t-shirts and gym wear.

Months earlier, Zero Limits had repeatedly posted online about a product titled 'war crimes'. It was an energy supplement in the flavour 'kill or capture cola'.

Its label depicted a hooded captive on a chair in a room with an Australian flag on the wall, and a tall figure wearing a balaclava and military-style clothing standing beside him.

In a video on 26 July, Katelaris promoted the product while holding a tub at the gym. He said, 'You wanna drink out of a prosthetic leg? You wanna re-enact a Sparta kick? You wanna execute your workout?' He then said, 'War crimes, it's the pre-workout for you.'

Zero Limits, which says it is 'veteran owned and operated', does not currently list the 'war crimes' product on its website. And Roberts-Smith is not shown endorsing, referencing or using that particular product.

But Roberts-Smith has praised another product from Zero Limits. In an Instagram story posted from Epic 1 Two's Instagram page, he was seen drinking a separate pre-workout drink. He gave the brand a 'massive shout out' and told followers to 'get on their website and take a look', sharing a link to its website.

Roberts-Smith also appeared last week on the Zero Limits podcast, hosted by another founder of the supplements company.

Roberts-Smith was arrested in April and charged with five counts of war crime - murder - in relation to three incidents stemming from his service in Afghanistan in 2009 and 2012.

The AFP commissioner, Krissy Barrett, said in April that the three incidents allegedly involved Afghan nationals being shot dead by Roberts-Smith, or a subordinate under his command, while he was present.

In a statement after his arrest, Roberts-Smith said: 'As I've always maintained: I categorically deny all of these allegations ... I will be taking this opportunity to finally clear my name. I'm proud of my service in Afghanistan.' He is now awaiting trial.