Ledger halts sales of crypto hardware wallets in S-E Asia amid theft of user funds

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, October 15, 2026

Ledger has halted sales of its cryptocurrency hardware wallets throughout Southeast Asia after multiple users reported thefts linked to devices tampered with malicious implants. The security breach, suspected to involve compromised units from a Malaysian reseller, has led to estimated losses exceeding US$86 million and prompted investigations to prevent further damage and restore consumer trust.

Paris-based cryptocurrency hardware wallet manufacturer Ledger has suspended sales of its devices across Southeast Asia following reports of user funds being stolen due to tampering with the wallets.

The decision came after an incident on October 9 when several wallet owners reported the theft of their cryptocurrency assets. In response, Ledger announced on October 13 that it was requesting regional resellers and distributors to remove its hardware wallets from sale in countries including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Hong Kong.

Hardware wallets are physical devices designed to store private cryptographic keys offline, providing enhanced security compared to online storage, which is more susceptible to hacking. Ledger is investigating certain devices sold by Malaysian reseller CryptoBilis that were found to contain malicious implants. These implants allegedly enable a third party to capture information displayed on the device’s screen, including the 24-word recovery phrase users input to access their cryptocurrency holdings.

Blockchain analysts estimate that losses connected to the tampered wallets exceed US$86 million (approximately S$110 million). However, Ledger has indicated that it cannot independently verify the exact number of affected users or the full scope of the financial damage. The company also stated that the issue appears confined to the Southeast Asian region.

In Singapore, tampered devices were reportedly sold at Metapod, an outlet located at Changi Airport, and at a Challenger store in VivoCity. Ledger, Metapod, and Challenger have been approached for further comment.

Separately, MediaMarktSaturn, a major European electronics retailer, has withdrawn Ledger products from its shelves across 11 markets after a customer in Germany reported detecting a similar implant in one of the devices.

Ledger’s products are manufactured and assembled in facilities located in France, Hungary, and Vietnam. Distribution to retailers and end customers is managed through warehouses in Verona, Italy, and Memphis, Tennessee, in the United States. The company has initiated efforts to investigate the source and extent of the tampering as it works to safeguard its customers and restore product integrity.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.