MediaMarktSaturn pulls Ledger products amid tampering reports on hardware wallets
MediaMarktSaturn, the parent company of European electronics retailer MediaMarkt, has removed all Ledger products from its stores and online platforms following reports of tampering with hardware wallets. After complaints about unauthorized cables and cellular modules found inside devices, the company halted sales and started communications with the manufacturer. Ledger is simultaneously investigating incidents involving implanted devices transmitting recovery phrases over cellular networks.
Reasons behind Ledger product removals
An X user named Johannes reported purchasing two Ledger hardware wallets from different MediaMarkt stores, finding unauthorized cables and embedded cellular modules in both devices.
Ledger had earlier announced it was investigating loss reports involving devices sold through Southeast Asian reseller CryptoBilis. The company stated implants transmitted users’ recovery phrases over cellular networks.
MediaMarktSaturn and Ledger responses
A MediaMarktSaturn spokesperson told Cointelegraph that all Ledger products were pulled from stores and online platforms and that the company is in contact with the manufacturer, stressing the seriousness of the issue.
Separately, former Mt. Gox CEO Mark Karpelès claimed that a Ledger Flex bought at Singapore airport contained a spy implant. Ledger did not directly address this case but referred to the ongoing CryptoBilis investigation.
Cointelegraph’s inquiries about confirmation of tampered devices in Europe received no response from Ledger by publication time.
Why it matters
The news of MediaMarktSaturn removing Ledger products is significant as it raises concerns about the trustworthiness of hardware wallets, a critical component in cryptocurrency security. Reports of tampered devices with implanted spy modules highlight potential vulnerabilities in the supply chain and emphasize the need for rigorous checks and consumer protection against counterfeits, especially in high-demand markets.
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