In a major development related to the explosion of pager devices across Lebanon and Syria, Beatrix Barsony Arsidiakono, the mother of Kristiana Barsony Arsidiakono, revealed in an interview with The Associated Press that her daughter is “under the protection of Hungarian intelligence services.” Kristiana, 49, is the CEO of B.A.C. Consulting, a Budapest-based firm accused of manufacturing pagers linked to recent attacks targeting Hezbollah.
The coordinated explosions of wireless pagers have injured nearly 2,931 people and dealt a significant blow to Hezbollah’s communication infrastructure. The Taiwanese company Gold Apollo, whose devices were involved in the blasts, identified B.A.C. Consulting as the firm responsible for assembling the devices. Kristiana, however, has denied involvement, claiming her company only acted as an intermediary.
Protective Measures and Media Silence
Beatrix Barsony Arsidiakono, speaking from Sicily, confirmed that her daughter had received threats following the incident and is now in a secure location under the protection of Hungarian intelligence services. She further stated that the agency advised her daughter against making any media appearances, leaving Kristiana’s whereabouts and safety a matter of speculation.
Kristiana’s background includes a PhD in particle physics and humanitarian work across Europe and Africa, which contrasts sharply with the recent accusations against her firm. Despite the controversy, Hungary’s national security services have not responded to media requests for confirmation of her protection, and the claim remains unverified.
Hezbollah’s Response
In a speech following the incident, Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah addressed the attack, confirming that the group had not been using the newer pager models responsible for the explosions. He clarified that these devices, shipped within the last six months, were yet to be fully distributed. Nasrallah further disclosed that Israel was aware of the distribution of around 4,000 pagers, part of which remain inactive.
This revelation adds another layer to the complex web of global connections in the investigation into the source of the explosive devices, with Bulgaria and Norway emerging as key focal points in tracing the origins of the pagers.
Global Investigation and Impact
The international investigation has raised significant concerns, with various security agencies involved in tracking the supply chain and uncovering the full scope of the attack. Kristiana’s mysterious disappearance and claims of intelligence protection have added to the intrigue surrounding the case, making her a central figure in this unfolding situation.