Russian intelligence agencies have grown more aggressive in their efforts to steal Western technology and defence secrets, as sanctions squeeze the country’s wartime economy, three senior European intelligence officials have told The Associated Press. Moscow’s agents are reportedly establishing shell companies, recruiting intermediaries, and deploying cyber spies and hackers. They are gathering intelligence that could also be used to target critical infrastructure. Four years of international sanctions have curtailed Moscow’s procurement of machinery, technology, and research from Europe. The grinding war in Ukraine has simultaneously taxed key industries, pushing the country towards a potential financial crisis. “They really know what they need,” and are putting “serious effort” into acquiring advanced machine tools, factory equipment, research and dual-use technology, said Christoffer Wedelin, deputy head of operations at the Swedish Security Service. In Sweden, Russia is targeting the defense industry and high-end research on the country’s most advanced weaponry, such as the Gripen fighter jet, Wedelin said. It is also trying to procure camera and laser technology developed for civilian purposes that could be integrated into Russian …