Ledger Hardware Wallet Security: MtGox CEO Builds Spy-Implant Detector
Former MtGox CEO Mark Karpelès is building an open-source device to detect hardware spy implants in Ledger wallets without opening them, publishing full PCB specs for anyone to build.
What we know
An account on X reports that Mark Karpelès (another account on X) announced he's developing a cheap device capable of detecting spy implants in Ledger hardware wallets without opening the device, and plans to publish the PCB and full specs as open-source hardware so anyone can build one. This follows ongoing concerns in the crypto community about supply chain hardware attacks on cold wallets.
How the story developed
Former MtGox CEO Mark Karpelès is building an open-source device to detect hardware spy implants in Ledger wallets without opening them, publishing full PCB specs for anyone to build.
Mt. Gox's Mark Karpelès has accused Ledger of knowing about advanced spy implants in its devices since March and failing to act, calling it a 'five-alarm fire in the making.' Community discussion is exploring whether self-assembled wallets offer better protection.
Ledger's CEO publicly attacked Mark, the researcher credited with discovering hardware implants in Ledger devices and assisting affected users, prompting backlash from the crypto security community.
Former Mt. Gox CEO Mark Karpelès reveals Ledger received reports of physically tampered hardware wallets with malicious components as far back as December 2025, yet issued no public warning.
By the Global Eye 24 desk, with AI assistance. Updated as the story develops. Spot an error? Write to corrections@globaleye24.com.