Russia ramps up tech theft as sanctions strain economy

Russia’s intelligence agencies are intensifying efforts to steal Western technology and defense secrets as international sanctions strain its wartime economy, according to senior European intelligence officials. The officials described an aggressive campaign involving fake companies, recruited middlemen, and cyber operations to acquire advanced machinery, research, and dual-use technologies.

Four years of sanctions have severely hampered Russia’s ability to procure essential technology from Europe, while the ongoing war in Ukraine has placed immense pressure on its key industries and pushed the country toward a potential financial crisis. Officials said the intelligence services are now focused on acquiring specific items to sustain its military and industrial capabilities.

In Sweden, Russia is targeting the defense industry and high-end research on advanced weaponry like the Gripen fighter jet, according to Christoffer Wedelin, deputy head of operations at the Swedish Security Service. He stated that Russia is also seeking civilian-developed camera and laser technology that could be integrated into weapons systems. Juha Martelius, director of Finland’s Security and Intelligence...