Taiwanese Company President Questioned Over Devices Linked to Hezbollah Attacks in Lebanon

 

The president of Gold Apollo, a Taiwanese company connected to pagers used in recent Hezbollah attacks in Lebanon, has been questioned by prosecutors and later released. The investigation is part of a global effort to trace the origins of the devices responsible for detonations across Lebanon this week.

Hsu Ching-kuang, president of Gold Apollo, denied that his company manufactured the pagers used in the attacks. He explained that they were produced by BAC Consulting KFT, a Budapest-based company licensed to use Gold Apollo’s brand. Hsu was questioned in Taiwan on Thursday, the same day Icom, a Japanese communications company, stated that walkie-talkies used in a separate attack might have been an older model with modified batteries.

On Tuesday, at least nine people were killed and nearly 3,000 injured when pagers allegedly used by Hezbollah detonated across Lebanon. A second wave of explosions occurred on Wednesday, when walkie-talkies exploded in public places, killing 25 and wounding over 450. Hezbollah, a militant group backed by Iran, blamed Israel for the attacks, although Israel has not claimed responsibility.

As Hsu left the Taipei prosecutors' office on Thursday, he declined to answer questions from reporters. Taiwanese investigators also questioned a woman linked to BAC Consulting KFT. The investigation led to searches at four locations, including the offices of Apollo Systems, a Taipei-based company set up earlier this year.

Taiwanese authorities emphasized the seriousness of the case. The Taipei prosecutor’s office confirmed that they are working with the national security bureau to interview witnesses and investigate further. Taiwan’s government is also conducting its own investigation, with officials visiting Gold Apollo's office in New Taipei City. Taiwan's Minister of Economic Affairs stated that none of the pager components were made in Taiwan.

Meanwhile, in Japan, Icom revealed that the radios used in the Wednesday attacks resembled their IC-V82 handheld model, which was exported to the Middle East between 2004 and 2014. Icom’s director, Yoshiki Enomoto, acknowledged the possibility that the devices might be counterfeits but could also be authentic units from the discontinued model. The company stressed that its products are strictly controlled, manufactured only in Japan, and distributed through authorized dealers.

As the investigation continues, Hezbollah has vowed to retaliate against Israel, escalating tensions between the two sides, which have been locked in cross-border conflict since October last year.