Ledger received early warnings about hardware wallet implants, Karpelès says

hardware wallet implants — Former Mt. Gox CEO Mark Karpelès says hardware wallet maker Ledger received multiple reports of malicious device implants months before its recent security crisis, questioning the company’s response.

Karpelès told Cointelegraph he was aware of at least two people who contacted Ledger about tampered devices dating back to December 2025. He noted he hasn’t seen any public warning issued by Ledger in response to these early alerts.

Security researcher Joe Grand separately alerted Ledger on March 4, 2026, about a malicious implant found in a Nano X purchased via online marketplace Lazada Thailand. Grand said Ledger acknowledged his findings but criticized the company for not proactively warning customers.

Ledger’s current security issues surfaced on October 9, with reports of crypto losses involving wallets sold through an authorized Southeast Asian reseller. The company has confirmed one affected device contained an unauthorized implant. Ledger declined to comment on its handling of Grand’s disclosure, referring to its public statements.