In a startling revelation, it has been reported that Israel might have orchestrated a covert operation against Hezbollah by embedding explosives in pagers. According to the New York Times, these devices were designed to be detonated remotely, with a “switch embedded to detonate them remotely.”
The operation utilized pagers manufactured under the brand of Gold Apollo, a known name in the communication technology sector. These pagers, distributed by a European company, were reportedly destined for the Lebanese militant group.
Damage and Verification
Images circulating on social media from Lebanon have showcased damaged units of Gold Apollo pagers, particularly highlighting the AR924 model. While CNN has been unable to geolocate these images, their authenticity was confirmed, with publications matching the timeline of the reported explosions.
Concerns from Gold Apollo
In light of these incidents, Hsu Ching-kuang, founder and chairperson of Gold Apollo, voiced his concerns. On Wednesday, he delineated the nature of his company’s business dealings with the European distributor, which had been using the Gold Apollo brand for about three years. Initially, their contract was limited to the distribution of standard communication products, but it later expanded to include manufacturing rights for a uniquely designed pager.
Hsu revealed a concerning detail about a financial transaction with the distributor, noting an anomaly where a “wire transfer that took a long time to clear.” This could hint at deeper issues within the seemingly benign business arrangements.
Evolving Business Relations and Potential Risks
These revelations put Gold Apollo in a precarious position, potentially implicating them, albeit unintentionally, in international espionage and conflict activities. The implications of such associations are vast, potentially affecting the company’s reputation and operational trust. This incident underscores the intricate and often hidden risks that global businesses might encounter when their products become tools in geopolitical strategies.
