Fri Sep 20 06:15:51 UTC 2024: ## Taiwan Investigates Pager Explosions in Lebanon, Denies Involvement in Hezbollah Incident

**TAIPEI** – Taiwanese authorities are investigating the source of pagers that exploded in Lebanon, killing at least 37 people and injuring nearly 3,000. The explosions, linked to Hezbollah operatives, have raised concerns about the origin of the devices.

Two individuals connected to Taiwanese companies were questioned on Friday as part of the probe. One was Hsu Ching-kuang, head of Gold Apollo, a company that denied producing the explosive pagers. The other was Wu Yu-jen, representing Hungary-based BAC Consulting KFT, a partner of Gold Apollo.

The New York Times had reported that Israel had placed explosives inside pagers from Taiwan’s Gold Apollo, citing anonymous sources. However, Gold Apollo refuted this claim, stating that BAC Consulting KFT, which uses Gold Apollo’s trademark, manufactured the pagers.

Taiwan’s Economic Minister Kuo Jyh-huei stated that Gold Apollo’s pagers utilize low-end components and batteries, making an explosion unlikely. He added that Gold Apollo has exported 260,000 pagers in the past two years without any incidents.

Premier Cho Jung-tai echoed the minister’s statement, asserting that Taiwan did not directly export pagers to Lebanon. He reiterated that Gold Apollo’s pagers are not the ones used by Hezbollah.

While BAC Consulting KFT was initially implicated, a Hungarian government spokesperson clarified that the company is a trading intermediary and does not manufacture or operate any facilities in Hungary.

The investigation is ongoing, and Taiwanese authorities are working to clarify the involvement of Taiwanese companies in the incident.

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