Hungary refutes claims of manufacturing pagers linked to Lebanon explosions

The Hungarian government has firmly rejected claims that pager devices used in recent deadly explosions in Lebanon were manufactured in Hungary.

This denial follows an earlier statement from Taiwanese pager firm Gold Apollo, which indicated that the devices in question were produced by Budapest-based BAC Consulting.

The issue arose after multiple pagers, reportedly used by Hezbollah, exploded in Lebanon, killing 12 people, including two children, and injuring nearly 3,000 others.

The Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah has blamed Israel for the attack, with allegations that explosives were planted inside the pagers.

Gold Apollo, which had licensed its brand to BAC Consulting, stated that while it authorized BAC to use its brand for product sales, it had no role in the design or manufacturing of the pagers involved in the incident.

The Taiwanese company emphasized that the pagers "100 percent" were not made in Taiwan, pointing the finger at BAC Consulting for their production.

However, Hungarian officials, speaking through government spokesman Zoltan Kovacs, denied the existence of any manufacturing operations by BAC Consulting in Hungary. Kovacs clarified that the company is merely an intermediary with no production facilities in the country.

He also stated that the devices in question "have never been in Hungary" and posed no national security risk. Hungary's national security authorities are cooperating with international agencies to further investigate the matter.

BAC Consulting, a small entity registered in May 2022, appears to be a shell company with minimal operational infrastructure, further complicating the situation.

The company’s CEO, Cristiana Barsony-Arcidiacono, has denied involvement in the production of the pagers, maintaining that BAC was only responsible for intermediary services.

She stated that her company did not manufacture the devices and is merely an agent for brand trademark usage.

The explosions have heightened tensions in Lebanon, with Hezbollah vowing retaliation.

The attack has added to ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, as both sides exchange fire almost daily.

Both Taiwan and Hungary have distanced themselves from any involvement in the production of the explosive pagers.

Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs also reported that there was no record of Gold Apollo exporting pagers directly to Lebanon.