Malayali entrepreneur with Norwegian citizenship under probe for Lebanon explosions
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Rinson Jose, a 37-year-old entrepreneur with Indian roots and Norwegian citizenship, has emerged as a key figure in the ongoing investigation into the recent pager explosions in Lebanon.
The blasts, which occurred on September 17, reportedly killed nearly 20 people and injured thousands of Hezbollah members, raising concerns about the involvement of international companies in the logistics behind the devices.
Jose is the sole owner of Norta Global Limited, a Bulgaria-based company suspected of being part of the supply chain for the pagers that detonated during the incident. Initial reports suggested that while the pagers were manufactured by Hungarian company BAC Consulting under a Taiwanese trademark, Gold Apollo, they were acquired through Norta Global.
The explosions have prompted investigations into the possible role of various firms involved in the shipment of the devices.
Reports indicate that Jose has been missing since the attacks. Despite allegations linking his company to the supply chain, Bulgaria’s national security agency, SANS, has cleared both Jose and Norta Global of any direct involvement in shipping explosives related to the blasts. Authorities assert that no equipment matching those involved in the explosion passed through Bulgaria.
Meanwhile, Jose’s family, based in Wayanad, Kerala, has expressed disbelief over his potential involvement. Family members have suggested that he may have been misled about his business dealings and have been unable to contact him since the incident. Local law enforcement authorities in Wayanad have opened their own investigation following reports of his possible connection to the Lebanon attack.
Jose has been living in Norway for more than a decade, having completed an MBA from Pondicherry University and a Masters in International Social Welfare and Health Policy from Oslo Metropolitan University.
Prior to his recent troubles, he had been associated with a job consultancy firm in Norway and is also reported to be employed with DN Media Group. His social media profile further indicates that he is an entrepreneur running Nortalink, an IT and consulting firm.