Former Nissan Chairman Gon Flees... Japanese Government Late to Address Loopholes

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Former Nissan Motor Chairman Carlos Ghosn fled overseas while out on bail, prompting the Japanese government to announce plans to address loopholes in the system. Yoshihide Suga, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary, and Nissan publicly issued statements regarding Ghosn’s escape.

According to local media including the Nihon Keizai Shimbun on the 7th, Nissan released its first official company statement on Ghosn’s flight. Nissan described it as "an act that disregards Japan’s judicial system" and expressed "deep regret."

Nissan stated that based on an internal investigation announced last September revealing Ghosn’s misconduct amounting to 35 billion yen, it will take legal actions such as claiming damages. In the statement, Nissan said, "Our fundamental policy to hold Ghosn accountable for his misconduct remains unchanged," and "We will respond through appropriate legal procedures."

Yoshihide Suga, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary, appeared on BS Fuji’s evening news program the previous day and said the government is reviewing measures to prevent recurrence related to Ghosn’s escape. Suga said, "(The overseas flight) is very regrettable for the government," adding, "It is important to thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the escape and take measures to ensure this never happens again." Regarding the extradition of Ghosn, he emphasized, "We will exert all efforts using various diplomatic means."

In response, the Japanese government has belatedly begun to address system loopholes, such as strengthening cargo inspections on private planes identified as Ghosn’s exit route. According to the Yomiuri Shimbun, the government is considering making security inspections mandatory for private aircraft.

For commercial flights carrying unspecified passengers, airlines are required to conduct security checks to prevent hijacking, and passengers’ luggage on regular flights must undergo X-ray screening.

However, for private planes, whether to conduct inspections is left to the pilot’s discretion, and Ghosn is suspected of exploiting this loophole to escape Japan.

The Japanese government plans to consult the Legislative Council as early as next month on amending the Penal Code to apply the "flight crime" charge if a defendant absconds while out on bail.

Additionally, the council is expected to discuss requiring bail defendants to wear GPS tracking devices to monitor their whereabouts.

Ghosn’s escape has sparked speculation that Japan’s bail system will become stricter.

Meanwhile, according to the Asahi Shimbun, Ghosn left his home on the afternoon of the 29th last month, stopped by a hotel in Tokyo’s Roppongi district, then traveled to Osaka via the Shinkansen. Afterward, he entered a hotel near Kansai Airport, where two American men carrying a large box on a cart took it out and arrived at Kansai Airport around 10 p.m., boarding a plane after 11 p.m.

The plane carrying Ghosn stopped in Istanbul and Turkey before arriving in Lebanon on the 30th.

Furthermore, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that the group suspected of assisting Ghosn’s escape visited Japan more than 20 times in advance and surveyed over 10 Japanese airports. They judged Kansai Airport’s security to be lax and used it as Ghosn’s exit route.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.