Norwegian-Linked Firm Under Scrutiny in Hezbollah Pager Explosion Case

Norway's Police Security Service (PST) has initiated a preliminary investigation into reports linking a Norwegian-owned company to the sale of pagers that exploded in Lebanon last week. The incident, which resulted in at least 39 fatalities and thousands of injuries, has drawn international attention and sparked investigations in multiple countries.

Haris Hrenovica, a PST lawyer, confirmed the commencement of the inquiry to Reuters. The investigation aims to determine whether there are grounds for a full-scale probe based on media allegations suggesting a Norwegian-owned company's involvement in supplying pagers to Hezbollah, a Shi'a Islamist political party and militant group founded in 1985 during the Lebanese Civil War.

The explosions, which occurred over a two-day period, affected thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah operatives. While the attacks are widely believed to have been carried out by Israel, no official confirmation or denial has been issued.

Pagers, first patented in 1949 by Alfred J. Gross, have a long history of use in various sectors. The first commercial pager system was launched in New York City in 1950, revolutionizing communication at the time. Similarly, walkie-talkies, invented during World War II for military use, have found widespread application in both civilian and military contexts.

The investigation extends beyond Norway's borders. Authorities in Taiwan, Hungary, and Bulgaria are also examining potential links in the supply chain. Bulgarian officials have specifically focused on Sofia-based Norta Global Ltd, following a Hungarian media report suggesting the company's involvement in facilitating the pager sales.

Norta Global Ltd, established in 2022, was founded by Rinson Jose, a 39-year-old Norwegian citizen. Corporate registry documents reveal that Jose signed the company's articles of association at the Bulgarian consulate in Oslo. Bulgaria, which joined the European Union in 2007, has become an increasingly important player in international business and technology sectors.

Attempts to reach Jose for comment have been unsuccessful. His employer, DN Media Group, where he has worked in the sales department since February 2020, reported that Jose left for a conference in Boston on September 17, 2024. The last contact from Jose was an email to colleagues on September 18, 2024. Since then, he has been unreachable.

It's important to note that no evidence has been found linking Norta Global to DN Media Group. The investigation is still in its early stages, and authorities are cautious about drawing conclusions prematurely.

The case highlights the complex nature of international business and security concerns. Norway, while not a member of the European Union, is part of the European Economic Area and has strong ties with EU countries. The country's involvement in this investigation underscores the global nature of modern security challenges.

As the investigation unfolds, it may have implications for international relations, particularly in the Middle East. Lebanon, which gained independence from France in 1943, has a complex political landscape, with Hezbollah playing a significant role. The country's economy, with its currency pegged to the US dollar since 1997, could potentially be affected by the outcomes of this investigation.

The PST, established in 1937, faces a challenging task in unraveling the complexities of this case. As the world's attention focuses on this unfolding story, the international community awaits further developments in this intricate investigation spanning multiple countries and involving sophisticated technology.

"PST has initiated a preliminary investigation to determine whether there are reasons for starting a (full) investigation on the basis of allegations in the media that a Norwegian-owned company may have been involved in the dissemination of pagers to Hezbollah."