Rinson Jose, a 37-year-old Norwegian citizen from Wayanad, Kerala, is at the center of an international investigation following reports that his Bulgarian company, Norta Global Ltd., is connected to pager blasts in Lebanon. This tragic incident, which occurred on September 17, resulted in 12 deaths, including civilians and children, and injured many others. The explosives were concealed inside modified pagers, raising global concerns and prompting investigations in several countries.
Investigation into Norta Global Ltd. The inquiry began when authorities discovered that Norta Global Ltd., a Sofia-based company owned by Jose, might have been involved in selling the pagers used in the blasts. These devices, specifically the AR-924 model, were initially manufactured by a Taiwanese company, Gold Apollo. However, Gold Apollo clarified that the model linked to the explosions had been produced under license by BAC Consulting KFT, a Hungarian firm.
On September 19, Bulgaria's State Agency for National Security (SANS) confirmed that Norta Global and Jose had no involvement in the import, export, or manufacture of the explosive-laden pagers. The agency stated, "Following verifications, it has been indisputably established that no communication equipment corresponding to those that exploded on September 17 was imported, exported, or manufactured in Bulgaria." They also noted that Norta Global had not violated any terrorism financing laws.
Despite these assurances, international security agencies are proceeding cautiously. Norway's police in Oslo have launched a preliminary investigation into the emerging information, and the domestic intelligence agency PST is aware of the situation but has not provided further comments.
Rinson Jose's Background Jose moved to Norway for higher education several years ago, after which he briefly worked in London. He currently resides in Oslo with his wife. His family in Kerala is shocked by the allegations against him. His uncle, Thankachan, expressed their disbelief, saying, "We speak daily over the phone, but we have had no contact with Jose in the last three days. He is a straightforward person, and we trust him fully. He may have been trapped in these blasts."
Jose has a twin brother in London and a sister who works as a nurse in Ireland. His parents, Moothedath and Gracy, still live in Wayanad. Thankachan emphasized that Jose has always been hardworking, studying at Ondayangadi school and later pursuing further education in Wayanad and Bengaluru.
Jose's Professional Ventures Jose's career spans several years in IT and digital services. He has worked with DN Media Group in Norway for nearly five years, focusing on digitization and automation. He is also a co-founder of multiple ventures, including an IT recruiting firm and a consultancy named NortaLink, established in 2016.
Norta Global Ltd., registered in Bulgaria in 2022, reported a revenue of $725,000 from consulting activities outside the European Union. However, its website has been taken down since the connection to the blasts emerged. Reports indicate that the company was registered at an apartment complex housing nearly 200 other firms. When approached for comments, Jose declined and hung up.
DN Media’s CEO, Amund Djuve, confirmed that the company is cooperating with authorities regarding the matter. "We have alerted the police and security services about this situation," he said.
While Bulgarian authorities have cleared Norta Global of direct involvement in the blasts, investigations are ongoing across multiple nations. Bulgarian state security, Norway’s police, and Lebanese authorities are collaborating to trace the source of the pagers and any potential connections to Hezbollah.
The modified pagers reportedly concealed three grams of explosives each, a detail that has complicated the investigation, drawing in experts from Europe and the Middle East.
Local Authorities in Kerala Investigate In Wayanad, local police have conducted background checks on Jose’s family. District police chief Taposh Basumathary stated that measures have been taken to ensure their safety amid growing media attention. "We are patrolling the area," he added.
Despite the ongoing scrutiny, Jose’s family continues to assert his innocence. Thankachan remarked, "Ask anyone in our church diocese, and no one will say anything bad about him. He is a good person who has been trapped in this situation."
As the investigation into the pager blasts unfolds, authorities are piecing together information to determine any involvement by Norta Global Ltd. or Rinson Jose. While international security agencies pursue potential links, Jose’s family and community stand firm in their belief in his innocence, hopeful that the investigation will ultimately vindicate him.
MUST READ: Hezbollah's Devices: A Case Study in the Risks of Aging Tech Supply Chains
Israeli Fighter Jets Destroy 1,000 Hezbollah Rocket Launcher Barrels in Southern Lebanon
Qatar Airways Bans Passengers from carrying Walkie-Talkies in Lebanon Flight