The investigation into the recent pager blasts in Lebanon, which claimed eight lives, has focused on Rinson Jose, a 37-year-old of Indian origin from Kerala, and his company, Norta Global Limited. Authorities are tracing the explosives-laden communication devices supplied to Hezbollah, with leads extending to Bulgaria and Norway.
Bulgarian media report that Norta Global Ltd, based in Sofia, facilitated the sale of the pagers. Local broadcaster bTV indicated that €1.6 million linked to the transaction moved through Bulgaria to Hungary.
The Bulgarian state security agency, DANS, is collaborating with the interior ministry to investigate the involvement of an unnamed company in the explosions, as reported by Reuters.
Records from CBS News show that Norta Global Ltd was registered in Bulgaria in April 2022, with its sole owner identified as Rinson Jose, a Norwegian citizen.
The now-defunct company website claimed to offer a variety of services, including outsourcing, consulting, tech integration, and commercial transaction processing.
Who Is Rinson Jose?
Rinson Jose, who moved from Wayanad in Kerala to Norway a decade ago, is active in the local Malayali community. Previously running a job consultancy, he has been employed with DN Media Group since March 2022. His LinkedIn profile also indicates he operates NortaLink, a company offering IT services and consulting, suggesting that Norta Global Limited may function as a shell company for this venture.
Jose holds an MBA from Pondicherry University and a Master’s in International Social Welfare and Health Policy from Oslo Metropolitan University. He has also worked as a teacher with the Poor Servants of Divine Providence (PDSP).
Back in Wayanad, Jose’s family is reportedly unaware of his business dealings. Local police have initiated inquiries into his background following reports of his alleged involvement in the blasts, with Deputy Superintendent of Police Special Branch, PL Shyju, confirming the information-gathering efforts.