The disappearance of Rinson Jose, a Norwegian businessman with roots in Kerala, India, has become entangled in a complex international incident involving Hezbollah and explosive pagers. Jose, founder of Norta Global Ltd., a Bulgarian company, vanished during a work trip to the United States last week, triggering an international search.
Norwegian authorities have launched a formal investigation, issuing an international warrant for Jose’s whereabouts. The case has sparked international scrutiny after reports emerged that Norta Global played a role in supplying pagers to Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group. These pagers were allegedly detonated by Israel in September, resulting in over 30 deaths and injuries to thousands in Lebanon.
Local media reports in Bulgaria suggest that Norta Global, established in 2022, declared a revenue of 650,000 euros ($725,000) for consulting services outside the European Union last year. However, Bulgarian authorities have cleared the company, stating it had no involvement in delivering the explosive communication devices. The pagers, reportedly manufactured by Hungarian firm BAC Consulting under the Taiwanese brand Gold Apollo, were allegedly acquired through Norta Global.
Adding to the mystery, Jose’s family in India has expressed their concern over his disappearance. They have confirmed that Jose, born in the Ondayangadi village of Wayanad, last visited his family in January of this year. His brother resides in the United Kingdom, and his sister works as a nurse in Ireland. Jose lived in Norway with his wife. His uncle, Thankachan, revealed that Jose graduated from Mary Matha College in Mananthavady, earned an MBA, and initially worked as a caretaker in Norway before transitioning to various business ventures.
The investigation into Jose’s disappearance and Norta Global’s alleged involvement in the Hezbollah incident continues. The complex web of international connections and the potential for a wider geopolitical fallout make this case a matter of international attention.
