Carlos Ghosn says he is the victim of a conspiracy plot in video aired to media
Car industry magnate Carlos Ghosn proclaimed his innocence in a video aired to journalists today.
Read more: Carlos Ghosn ousted from Nissan board after rearrest
The ex-Nissan boss instead claimed he was the victim of “a plot, conspiracy and back-stabbing” within Nissan in the video, recorded prior to his arrest last week.
Ghosn’s lawyer, Junichiro Hironaka, said he had edited out any references to individuals Ghosn holds accountable for the financial misconduct charges against him.
Ghosn was charged with under-reporting his salary for 10 years and transferring personal losses onto Nissan’s books, all of which he denies.
The man responsible for the alliance between Nissan and Renault, as well as Mitsubishi, said his love for Nissan and for Japan are undiminished by his current circumstances.
Nissan responded to the video by doubling down on its dismissal of Ghosn and Greg Kelly, a former Nissan director considered Ghosn’s right-hand man, who is also facing financial misconduct allegations.
“The sole cause of this chain of events is the misconduct led by Ghosn and Kelly,” Nissan said in a statement.
“Aside from any criminal matters, Nissan’s internal investigation has uncovered substantial evidence of blatantly unethical conduct. This resulted in a unanimous board vote to discharge Ghosn and Kelly as chairman and representative director, followed by a shareholder vote to discharge them from the board.
“Further discoveries related to Ghosn’s misconduct continue to emerge. The company’s focus remains on addressing weaknesses in governance that failed to prevent this misconduct.”
Separately Ghosn’s family lawyer said yesterday the former Nissan chief is being “held hostage” by the Japanese legal system.
His “arbitrary detention” has violated his right to a fair trial, Jessica Finelle told the BBC, adding that she has filed a complaint with the UN.
Ghosn’s wife, Carole Ghosn, also felt “in danger” after the “brutal” manner of his re-arrest last week on new charges.
Police reportedly confiscated his phone and a series of documents at the time of his second arrest, while Carole Ghosn’s mobile phone and Lebanese passport were taken.
The new charges – following a $9m bail after four months behind bars – claim Ghosn enriched himself with Nissan money and caused the car manufacturer $5m (£3.8m) in damages.
Read more: Japanese prosecutors ask judges to question Ghosn’s wife
Carole Ghosn has reportedly flown to France to urge the government to intervene.