TOKYO, Jan 8 (NNN-NHK) – Tokyo prosecutors obtained an arrest warrant for Carole Ghosn, wife of former Nissan Motor Co. Chairman, Carlos Ghosn, for making a false statement last Apr, at her husband’s trial for alleged aggravated breach of trust.
Prosecutors suspected that during an examination of a witness last Apr, at the Tokyo District Court, Carole Ghosn denied knowing one of Ghosn’s acquaintances, whom she had previously contacted.
According to the prosecutors, the former auto tycoon is believed to have channelled Nissan funds through the acquaintance’s private account, to a firm in whose management his wife was involved.
Carlos Ghosn violated his bail conditions and fled to Lebanon late last month.
Carole is now believed to be in Lebanon with her husband. The prosecutors are expected to ask Interpol to put her on an international wanted list. As Japan has no extradition treaty with Lebanon, the possibility of Carole Ghosn being arrested is low.
Carlos Ghosn, who holds Brazilian, French and Lebanese nationality, is accused of under-reporting his remuneration for years and for embezzling company funds. He denied all the charges, claiming that company insiders conspired against him.
Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, Japanese Ambassador to Lebanon, Takeshi Okubo, on Tuesday met with Lebanese President, Michel Aoun.
Okubo said, Ghosn’s illegal departure from Japan and arrival in Lebanon is deeply regrettable, and can never be overlooked by the government of Japan. He requested the government of Lebanon to provide all necessary cooperation on this matter.
Aoun explained that Lebanon did not have any involvement whatsoever in the incident, stating that, Lebanon attaches importance to relations with Japan, and, in response to the request for cooperation from Japan, promised that Lebanon would spare no effort in providing unstinting cooperation, the statement said.– NNN-NHK
