Norway Launches Inquiry Into Alleged Role of Local Firm in Hezbollah Pagers Attack
Norwegian security police have opened a preliminary investigation into allegations that a Norwegian-owned company may be linked to the sale of pagers that exploded in Lebanon last week, killing at least 39 people and injuring thousands. The explosions, involving pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah, are believed to have been caused by Israel, though Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement.
It remains unclear when and how the pagers were weaponized. Several countries, including Taiwan, Hungary, and Bulgaria, are investigating potential links in the supply chain. In Norway, police lawyer Haris Hrenovica said the investigation will determine whether there is enough evidence to launch a full inquiry.
Bulgarian authorities are also looking into Sofia-based company Norta Global Ltd., which was linked to the sale of the pagers in a Hungarian media report. The company was founded in 2022 by Norwegian citizen Rinson Jose, who signed the company’s articles of association at the Bulgarian Consulate in Oslo.
Reuters reports that it contacted Jose, who works in the sales department at DN Media Group, but that he declined to comment on the story. He hung up when asked about his Bulgarian business and has since not responded to follow-up calls and messages. His current whereabouts are unclear, though DN Media Group stated he left for a conference in Boston in mid-September.
