Former Nissan boss Ghosn flees to Lebanon

How former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn got to Lebanon from Japan where he was awaiting trial on alleged financial misconduct charges is being described by some media as akin to a movie plot.

He’s now wanted by Interpol, but Ghosn – who is Lebanese and has French and Brazilian passports – has been reported as saying he fled Japan to avoid “political persecution”.

Lebanon doesn’t have any extradition agreement with Japan and Lebanese authorities say he entered the country legally.

Dubbed “the father of the Nissan Leaf” and an early advocate of autonomous and electric vehicles, Ghosn was on bail and due to stand trial in Japan in April.

Lebanese authorities are expected to hear Ghosn’s story before deciding whether any measures will be taken.

His Japan departure has shocked many, including his own lawyers who say they have three of his passports.

Many people are now wondering how Ghosn managed to leave Japan while under close surveillance and subject to tight bail conditions.

Turkish authorities have reportedly detained seven people as part of an investigation into how he got to Lebanon through Istanbul.

Ghosn faces charges in Japan for allegedly under-reporting his future compensation, along with an alleged breach of trust, but he has denied any wrongdoing, saying it’s an attempt to prevent a possible fuller merger between Nissan Motor and alliance partner Renault SA.

Stories about Ghosn have featured on Autotalk

and EVtalk.