Ex-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn says he wants a trial.
Written byTimes Magazine
Carlos Ghosn, the fugitive former Nissan CEO, has stated that he wishes to stand trial on financial wrongdoing charges to clear his name.
He spoke to the news after France issued an international arrest warrant for him based on allegedly suspicious payments.
Mr. Ghosn stated that he was "expecting" the move but was "surprised at the timing." When Mr. Ghosn fled Japan in 2019, he faced charges of financial misconduct.
Once one of the best influential figures in the automobile industry, the former Nissan CEO is currently unable to leave Lebanon because he is the subject of a Japanese Interpol Red Notice.
He stated that he wanted a trial in Lebanon on the charges brought against him in Japan and any that may emerge from the French investigation. He was "completely confident" that he could prove his innocence.
Prosecutors in France are investigating allegations that Mr. Ghosn used Suhail Bahwan Automobiles to launder millions of euros from Renault.
According to reports 1st published in the Wall Street Journal, he used the money for personal purchases, including a 120-foot yacht.
An investigating magistrate in France has now issued five international arrest warrants for Mr. Ghosn and four people connected to an Oman-based car distributor.
On Friday, Mr. Ghosn told the news, "There was not a single euro [from Nissan or Renault] that ended up benefiting me directly or indirectly." Instead, he claims they were part of a plot to prevent him from orchestrating a merger between Nissan and its French partner Renault.
However, a separate investigation has been quietly underway in France. In Beirut, an investigating magistrate recently questioned Mr. Ghosn in depth.
The decision to issue an multinational arrest warrant indicates that the French side believes there is at least a genuine case to answer.
Mr. Ghosn has stated that he would be willing to stand trial in France to clear his name, and his lawyers appear confident that this will occur. But there's a catch.
The former executive is barred from leaving Lebanon because he is still the subject of an extradition request from Japan, even though such a request is improbable.
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