Ex-Nissan chairman Ghosn rearrested in Japan

Ex-Nissan chairman Ghosn rearrested in Japan
Lebanese-French auto tycoon Carlos Ghosn was arrested in Tokyo earlier on Thursday, less than a month after he was freed on bail.
2 min read
04 April, 2019
Carlos Ghosn slammed his detention as 'outrageous and arbitrary [AFP]


Former Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn was rearrested early Thursday in Tokyo on fresh financial misconduct allegations, with the auto tycoon slamming his detention as "outrageous and arbitrary".

Authorities arrested the 65-year-old less than a month after he was dramatically freed on bail following more than 100 days in detention.

Local media said prosecutors had entered Ghosn's temporary accommodation in central Tokyo early Thursday morning and that he left with them by car shortly afterwards.

An AFP reporter outside the home saw three men in dark suits guarding the entrance to the building's car park and a police officer patrolling, as dozens of journalists gathered.

Ghosn issued a statement through his representatives after the arrest calling it as "outrageous and arbitrary".

"It is part of another attempt by some individuals at Nissan to silence me by misleading the prosecutors. Why arrest me except to try to break me? I will not be broken," he said, insisting that he is innocent of the claims against him.

Reports emerged on Wednesday that prosecutors were weighing rearresting Ghosn as they investigate claims related to at least $32 million in Nissan funds transferred to a distributor in Oman.

According to a source familiar with the matter, some of this money is believed to have been used to buy a luxury boat for Ghosn and his family.

The former high-flying executive already faces three charges of financial misconduct related to allegations he under-reported his compensation and sought to transfer losses to Nissan's books.

He has denied any wrongdoing and took to Twitter for the first time Wednesday, using a newly created account that his spokespeople confirmed was authentic, to announce plans for a press conference.

"I'm getting ready to tell the truth about what's happening. Press conference on Thursday, April 11," said the tweet, sent in English and then Japanese.