In a startling incident on September 17, 2024, over 3,000 Hezbollah fighters were wounded and at least 12 killed when their communication pagers simultaneously exploded. The attack, attributed to Israel, has sparked controversy and denials from companies allegedly involved in the pagers' production.
Gold Apollo, a Taiwanese firm whose branding appeared on the devices, has distanced itself from the manufacturing process. Hsu Ching-kuang, the company's chairman, stated during a press conference in New Taipei City, "We may not be a large company but we are a responsible one. This is very embarrassing." He emphasized that Gold Apollo was a victim and planned legal action against their Hungarian partner.
The Hungarian company, BAC Consulting KFT, was authorized to use Gold Apollo's brand under a licensing agreement dating back to 2021. However, Cristiana Bársony-Arcidiacono, BAC Consulting's CEO, denied involvement in pager production, stating, "I do not make the pagers. I am just the intermediary."
The AR-924 pagers, advertised as "rugged" with extended battery life, were crucial for Hezbollah's communication in Lebanon, where electricity shortages have been prevalent since 2019. Approximately three grams of explosives were reportedly placed into each device, showcasing a sophisticated supply chain infiltration.
Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs reported that Gold Apollo exported 260,000 pager sets between January 2022 and August 2024, primarily to European and American countries. No direct exports to Lebanon were recorded.
The incident has raised concerns about potential escalation in the region. Hungary, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orban, has been a staunch supporter of Israel in its conflict with Hamas. This political alignment adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
"The remittance was very strange. The payments had come through the Middle East."
As investigations continue, questions remain about the true origin of the compromised pagers and the implications for regional security. The incident highlights the intricate nature of global supply chains and the potential for technology to be weaponized in ongoing conflicts.