Former CEO Ghosn sues Nissan for a billion dollars

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Automotive industry exec Carlos Ghosn has filed a US$1-billion lawsuit against Nissan and a dozen other individuals for spreading what he alleges is misinformation, which led to his arrest in Japan. The 69-year-old sued the automaker, of which he was formerly CEO, last month in Beirut, Lebanon, says the Associated Press.

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The lawsuit stems from a 2018 arrest in which Ghosn was held on charges of breach of trust, misusing company assets for personal gains, and violating securities laws while head of Nissan and Renault. Ghosn has repeatedly maintained his innocence. A 2018 probe by Renault also found that the jailed CEO’s compensation at the French carmaker complied with French law.

In December 2019, after being held by Japanese authorities for months, he jumped bail and fled, reportedly escaping by hiding in a box aboard a private jet out of the country. Prosecutors in Japan have already charged three Americans with helping Ghosn escape.

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Because Ghosn is now living in Lebanon, which has no extradition treaty with Japan and does not extradite its citizens, a conclusion to the matter has yet to be reached. Renault and Nissan have looked to distance themselves from the scandal. Additionally, Interpol has sent three notifications to Lebanese authorities based on arrest orders for Ghosn issued in France and Japan. Ghosn holds Lebanese, French, and Brazilian citizenship.

Reports say Ghosn is currently dealing with legal issues in France related to tax evasion, alleged money laundering, fraud, and misuse of company resources while in charge of the Renault-Nissan partnership.

Judge Sabbouh Suleiman, who is a part of Beirut’s prosecutor’s office, said that a hearing date for Ghosn’s case against Nissan is set for September. The accused parties and Nissan are expected to send representatives to Beirut, or appoint a Lebanese attorney to represent them in court.