Japanese Prosecution Obtains Arrest Warrant for Gon on 'Illegal Departure'... Execution Uncertain

Former Nissan Motor Chairman Carlos Ghosn
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon] Japanese investigative authorities have issued an arrest warrant for former Nissan Motor chairman Carlos Ghosn, who fled to Lebanon ahead of his trial.

According to Kyodo News and others, the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office's Special Investigation Department obtained an arrest warrant on the 30th (local time) for Ghosn, who fled to Lebanon while out on bail, on charges of illegal departure from the country.

Reports state that Ghosn is suspected of leaving Kansai Airport on December 29 last year around 11 p.m. without inspection by immigration officers, traveling to Lebanon via Turkey on a private plane.

The Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office also obtained arrest warrants for three foreigners, including Michael Taylor (59) and George Zayek (60), both former U.S. Army Special Forces (Green Berets), on charges of aiding Ghosn's escape (concealment of a criminal, aiding violation of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act). They are suspected of guiding Ghosn, who was out on bail under the condition that he not leave Japan, to a hotel in Osaka Prefecture, hiding him in a box, transporting him to Kansai Airport, and helping him pass security checks.

It remains uncertain whether the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office can execute the arrest warrant for Ghosn. The Japanese government is negotiating with the Lebanese government through diplomatic channels to secure Ghosn's custody, but the likelihood of the Lebanese government complying with Japan's request is low.

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