Icom, the Japanese radio equipment maker, the manufacturer of the “exploding walkie-talkies” that killed Hezbollah operatives has expressed “99.9% certainty” that the walkie talkies involved in the devastating explosion in Lebanon are counterfeit.
Last week’s blasts, which killed at least 35 people and injured hundreds, targeted Hezbollah members using handheld radios bearing Icom labels. However, Icom’s investigation suggests these devices were likely among tens of thousands of fakes circulating globally.
“We made and shipped 160,000 IC-V82 radios between 2004 and 2014,” said Yoshiki Enomoto, Icom executive and board member. “It’s possible the same number of counterfeit models exists today.”
Icom said that it discontinued production of the IC-V82 in 2014 and has also halted battery production. The company identified discrepancies in the devices linked to the attack on Hezbollah, including missing holographic seals.
Experts had warned of supply chain security risks and the challenges of controlling counterfeit device circulation.
“This is extremely difficult, but we must find solutions, probably through technology,” said Ken Kotani, defense expert at Nihon University.
Icom has previously confronted counterfeit issues, including reports of Taliban forces using fake Icom walkie-talkies during the Afghanistan war.
As the company prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary, it says it remains committed to strengthening anti-counterfeiting measures.
