MediaMarktSaturn pulls Ledger hardware wallets over tampering concerns

European electronics giant MediaMarktSaturn has removed all Ledger hardware wallets from its stores and online platforms globally as a precautionary measure amid reports of tampered devices.

The retailer’s parent company confirmed the international removal of the products, stating it acted in coordination with Ledger. The wallet maker said the suspension followed a report from a customer in Germany concerning a hardware implant, though no fund losses have been linked to that specific case.

Ledger is investigating reports of losses involving devices sold through the Southeast Asian reseller CryptoBilis, where implants allegedly transmitted users’ recovery phrases over cellular networks. The probe has now expanded to include reports beyond that initial reseller.

Separate claims of tampering have emerged, including from an X user who reported finding unauthorized components in wallets bought from MediaMarkt stores and from former Mt. Gox CEO Mark Karpelès, who alleged a spy implant in a device purchased at Singapore’s airport.