Carlos Ghosn Photo: AP file
crime

Ghosn asks why Japanese don't come and question him in Lebanon

76 Comments
By BASSEM MROUE

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76 Comments
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It's a beautiful country, with a lot of charm. Don't let tabloid media tell you what to think.

I don't doubt that. Ghosn circus aside, Lebanon has really tried to be neutral over the years. They were the only ME country to form a coalition government.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Article 103 is not restricted to escapes from custody. This was debunked during the Taylor hearings

It's not been debunked, it is what it is. As stupid it sounds, that law only applies for scaping from jail. A quick read might convince you.

That immigration offense is just a minor misbehavior.

Japan realized they had no law to punish the scape from bail and modified the law after the incident.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

I am asking why don’t Japanese commandos simply slip into Lebanon and snatch the little man up.

Because without approval from Lebanon, doing so would be a violation of international law.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

I am asking why don’t Japanese commandos simply slip into Lebanon and snatch the little man up.

because it been tried in the past and failed, an Australian women whos ex husband kidnapped her daughter away to Lebanon, the professionals that she hired to bring her back were caught before they could escape Lebanon. Dont be fooled by Lebanon size, they have spies watching everywhere for Israeli and western spies. Not even Japan is stupid enough to kidnap a Lebanese citizen away to Japan, sort of makes NK kidnapping of Japanese citizens justified

1 ( +1 / -0 )

That only applies to escaping from police facilities or jail. Not to fly away while on bail.

Article 103 is not restricted to escapes from custody. This was debunked during the Taylor hearings. If we were to accept your interpretation, it would mean that Japan has no law to punish someone who knowingly assists a bank robber on the run. It's absurd. Also, forget about the corporate crimes that he was bailed for. The crime of evading immigration controls in his music box is sufficient here.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

breach of trust, misusing company assets for personal gains and violating securities laws by not fully disclosing his compensation

How many Japanese presidents and politicians would be arrested if they were held to these standards?

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Ghosn asks why Japanese don't come and question him in Lebanon

Japanese bureaucrats seem a little slow at answering the question. (They really should answer, after all they are the ones who want him back).

3 ( +3 / -0 )

It has always been illegal to enable the escape of someone who has commited a crime punishable by a fine or greater punishment. Penal Code Art. 103

That only applies to escaping from police facilities or jail. Not to fly away while on bail.

That was never a crime in Japan.

Japan has all the time in the world to wait for Ghosn's return.

Good luck!

5 ( +5 / -0 )

@Tokyo-Engr

If this is the case it would seem that this is would not necessarily only fall under the jurisdiction of Japan as the transactions would have taken place outside of Japan.

Other countries would be able to go after Ghosn if he also broke their laws. Japan's jurisdiction obviously comes from the fact that Ghosn was a corporate office holder of a public corporation registered in Japan.

Why not share the informatoin with Interpol and let them take it from there?

Contrary to popular belief, Interpol doesn't actually investigate crimes. It's just an agency set up to issue international arrest warrants and coordinate repatriation of fugitives.

@bokuda

You made a new law just to criminalize bail jumping, so you can ask for the Taylor's extradition.

It has always been illegal to enable the escape of someone who has commited a crime punishable by a fine or greater punishment. Penal Code Art. 103

Why not change the law so you can have a trial without him.

Because there's no compelling reason to do so. It would be a massive waste of public resources to hold a trial for a man who could never be made to serve out his sentence if found guilty. Japan has all the time in the world to wait for Ghosn's return.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

Yes you do. Japan doesn't allow for trials in absentia for ordinary criminal cases.

You made a new law just to criminalize bail jumping, so you can ask for the Taylor's extradition.

You are making huge reforms to the bail system so you can better track bailed defendants.

Why not change the law so you can have a trial without him. Looks a small change in comparison with all the reforms that Ghosn triggered.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

@M3M3M3

What Nissan didn’t know was that Ghosn allegedly arranged for Suhail Bahwan to kick back part of the incentive to his personal accounts. That is the charge he's facing. Whether Ghosn speaks Japanese is irrelevant. He does speak Arabic

If this is the case it would seem that this is would not necessarily only fall under the jurisdiction of Japan as the transactions would have taken place outside of Japan. Why not share the informatoin with Interpol and let them take it from there?

2 ( +2 / -0 )

I always suspected that there was a certain element that just didn't like to see a non-Japanese at the helm of such a large Japanese organization.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

You don't need Ghosn to have the trial.

Yes you do. Japan doesn't allow for trials in absentia for ordinary criminal cases.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

@M3M3M3

waiting to be presented at Ghosn's trial

You don't need Ghosn to have the trial.

Just do it, and close the case already.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Where's the evidence?!

Presumably at the prosecutor's office waiting to be presented at Ghosn's trial.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Guy spends twenty years of his life feeding them and then they turn around and treat him like an animal. In twenty years he took less reward than any other ceo in car industry.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

@M3M3M3

Ghosn allegedly arranged for Suhail Bahwan to kick back part of the incentive to his personal accounts.

If you got evidence show it up. Make him pay back the money so we correct it and let the prosecutors go back to work.

Where's the evidence?!

0 ( +1 / -1 )

You are completely correct about the fact that neither Ghosn nor Kelly could have done this alone as neither can read or write Japanese.

Nobody disputes that Nissan knew and signed off on the millions in generous dealer incentives that Ghosn insisted be paid to Suhail Bahwan Automotive. What Nissan didn’t know was that Ghosn allegedly arranged for Suhail Bahwan to kick back part of the incentive to his personal accounts. That is the charge he's facing. Whether Ghosn speaks Japanese is irrelevant. He does speak Arabic

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

I don't know why some peoples are defending Carlos Gohsen's crime.

I don't know that anybody is defending his alleged crimes. They have sympathy for him because of the obvious lack of justice in the justice system, because the foreigners were singled out while the Japanese co-conspirators (without whom no such crimes could be committed) are allowed to peacefully retire. This is a country where the connected and elite can literally get away with murder, while ordinary folk and, worse, foreign residents will have the book thrown at them for the most minor violations. This is a far greater problem that anything that happened at Nissan.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

After all he is still so very much japanophil, that he even wants to meet with in Lebanon. What an undestroyable romance...lol

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Ghosn asks why Japanese don't come and question him in Lebanon.

Because a forced confession would not be possible....

4 ( +5 / -1 )

@bokuda. I’m not a fan of Ghosn at all but I also disagree with the justice system here.

You are completely correct about the fact that neither Ghosn nor Kelly could have done this alone as neither can read or write Japanese.

I think there is probably a lot more to this and that coupled with the Prosecution’s likely inability to function outside of the comfort zone of the Japanese system would explain all of this.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

As if Goshn had access to a backdoor button for transfers.

Money transfers are no longer through cases filled with bank notes, neither through a one-man push button.

All above comments about Goshn getting millions by simple wire transfers without anyone knowing are simple minds with no experience in large companies.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

All money to Middle east dealer was from Nissan - Renault Netherlands Holding Company RNBV.

Knowing how the Japanese companies work, it's impossible that Ghosn can do it by himself.... He needs lots of paperwork and hankos from lots of people in every step.

How did he manage to move all that money without anyone notice?

5 ( +6 / -1 )

Excellent point there Ghost Rider, very good.

Get with your lawyers and go to the HAGUE with them...the Japanese will never accept that, any more than china does, but it will be a FAIR FIGHT; Won’t it?

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Ghosn is LAUGHING at them and there is absolutely NOTHING they can do.

No, he is crying all day because they DID most of the job.

That dude lost his jobs and money making schemes (so did his sister), lost the huge perks (jet, limousines, luxury houses over the world, security staff, diplomatic privileges.. ), lost his mega pension and all possible post-retirement positions, a huge part of his assets (houses, boats, accounts...) are frozen, he had to give a part (all ?) of what was left to laywers, PR experts, media that defend him, he had to pay a huge fine to get a deal in the US. What more ? He, son and wife can no longer jetset, he and mrs are locked in tiny Lebanon, and it's likely daughters and sister are also restricted in destinations for years.

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

Carlos Gohsen had established Nissan - Renault Netherlands Holding Company RNBV unnecessarily to sipphone Country money.

All money to Middle east dealer was from Nissan - Renault Netherlands Holding Company RNBV.

He gave bonus 32 millions dollar and 12 millions dollar to Car dealers Middle East. It was trace some of the money diverted to his son accounts.

Why he didn't give big bonus like this to car dealer in other country?

Bonus 32 millions dollar to one car dealership was too much.

Carlos Gohsen had justified for $32 millions and $ 16 millions bonus given to his acquaintances in Oman and Lebanon through Dubai base Nissan Middle East. At the same time, he paid $ 14.7 millions to Saudi business man.

He may have saved Nissan Company but the stealing money from Company was crime.

I don't know why some peoples are defending Carlos Gohsen's crime.

Carlos Gohsen had bought two homes in Lebnon, Apartment in Brazile and France all paid by Nissan Company money.

The two homes in Lebnon and Apartment in Brazile were unnecessary and now Gohsen was living in one house.

Also, he had misused money from Renault Company fund. So he was under investigation by French Police.

1 ( +6 / -5 )

Japanese in almost any sport or field are way out of their depth when they leave the country. I used to love how they would trump up the national team or some no-name fighter and then said team or fighter would go overseas and get their backs blown out by a legit team or fighter. Or when someone who is legit would come here and beat them down. Ghosn knows they are out of their depth and don't have the wherewithal to come and challenge him on a playing field where their game won't work. Man, I love this guy! Keep attacking them!!

8 ( +10 / -2 )

txrogers ? because there are no Japanese commandos, if there were, they couldnt get close to him , let alone out of the country. who says hes a little man? because he a white collar foreigner? Lebanon has a much more meaningful response to your who cares? its who cares?

6 ( +7 / -1 )

Stealing is stealing no matter where you are, the only problem is one country may have two eyes open with both hands out, and the other country may have one eye open and no hands out!

Stealing is stealing no matter where you are, the only problem is most countries have proper rule of law where innocence is assumed until proven guilty. Defendants rights are respected.

The other country (Japan) has no proper sense of law, guilt is automatically assumed, defendants have no rights, prosecutors are Nazi's, and judges are terrified of them.

10 ( +11 / -1 )

ossan do you know what to egg on means? don't make sense here

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Stealing is stealing no matter where you are, the only problem is one country may have two eyes open with both hands out, and the other country may have one eye open and no hands out!

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Maybe the Japanese authorities know that their interrogation system only works in Japan

They have known it for years. Unfortunately, for Japan, everybody else knows it now.

Incidently, a word of advice to any foriegner arrested n Japan. Prosecutors and police have and are using non-Japanese Japanaphiles as translators Remember, nothing you say is ever "off the record".

12 ( +12 / -0 )

Maybe the Japanese authorities know that their interrogation system only works in Japan

Outside Japan, outside indefinite detention, in the presence of lawyers, they know their interrogation system won't work

I am asking why don’t Japanese commandos simply slip into Lebanon and snatch the little man up. Load him up into Yamaha Cello case and bring him back to Tokyo.

That's an act of war - Lebanese authorities are within their rights to inflict Japanese casualties on their own land. Japanese people better be prepared for the possibility that some of their citizens would come back in body bags - that could mean mass resignations of top government politicians and bring the government down

15 ( +15 / -0 )

They should take up the offer before he sells his story!

7 ( +7 / -0 )

I forgot to mention Russia which is worse, there they don't need a confession, they just throw you in jail anyway or put some Novichok on your underwear...

12 ( +12 / -0 )

Couldn't they do a zoom call? Not that hard to do if I'm correct? Although having J-prosecutors on Zoom forgetting to turn on "mute/black screen" would be hilarious.

14 ( +14 / -0 )

I am asking why don’t Japanese commandos simply slip into Lebanon and snatch the little man up. Load him up into Yamaha Cello case and bring him back to Tokyo.

As for anything that Lebanon may say: Who cares.

-17 ( +2 / -19 )

Thomas Goodtime

At least Lebanon report their numbers correctly.

mmm

Although the Covid-19 is not related with this article,

I think nobody has confidence that Lebanon has reported the numbers correctly. (not only Lebanon but also the other countries. Recently, I read the article that the new data tripled Russia's Covid-19 death toll.)  

In this situation, I think we should focus on the numbers of excess fatal. Maybe, this comment will be erased due to the off-topic rule.

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

He doesn't understand 99.999999999999% of Japanese don't want to go to Lebanon due to the Covid-19 and its social unrest.

Which makes me wonder even more, are these 0.000000000001% Japanese living in a rented apartment opposite his home somehow connected to this charade.

11 ( +13 / -2 )

Well the reason that Japanese did not come and will not come to Lebanon to question him is very simple. They will not be able to question him 18 hours a day without a lawyer in a freezing cell every day to force a confession, because there are laws against that kind of questioning even in Lebanon!!! In fact that kind of questioning is against international law and is only done in countries like Japan, China, North Korea, Cuba and some African countries. It puts Japan in a very evil group of countries...

20 ( +22 / -2 )

@naitch

he was treated in his businessman days far better than his Japanese counterparts !

Yeah, Sure!

Explain how Hari Nada, Hiroto Saikawa, Toshiaki Ohnuma, and all the rest of "innocent" people in Nissan have been treated.

21 ( +25 / -4 )

He doesn't understand 99.999999999999% of Japanese don't want to go to Lebanon due to the Covid-19 and its social unrest.

-16 ( +4 / -20 )

@gakinotsukai

The main matter is to have a fair trial and not being treated like a murderer.

Sure he can be guilty of stealing money but why not the same process as for many japanese businessmen/politicians ?

Do you mean by "Japanese businessmen/politicians" Japanese defendants. As I believe he was treated in his businessman days far better than his Japanese counterparts !

I d stand by him, if he is asking equal treatment, but claiming innocence is an other thing ...

-7 ( +6 / -13 )

He doesn't seem too concerned about being questioned by French investigators. He's either completely innocent or he's covered his tracks well. Either way, he's a smart cookie and I wouldn't like to be in his bad books. People like that have a ruthless side to them as well.

4 ( +12 / -8 )

Are those mystery Japanese who rented an apartment opposite Ghosn's home in Beirut still there?

16 ( +16 / -0 )

It's doubtful that prosecutors need to question Ghosn any further. It's not as if he would provide any useful information at this point. Time is entirely on the Japanese side.

It's more likely that Ghosn desperately wants to be questioned in order to extract information from prosecutors. He wants to find out how much the prosecutors know, how far the investigation has progressed, what incriminating evidence they have, and which witnesses need to be silenced. He's getting restless and wants to know if it's safe to leave Lebanon.

-8 ( +15 / -23 )

They are NOT after him for the same thing Japan is, pay attention

In Japan he is accused of misuse of Nissan's assets, and in France for misuse of Renault's..In this regards I agree with you !

-3 ( +13 / -16 )

Go On !

The Return Of The Pink Panther.

1 ( +6 / -5 )

Because kaigai is outside of their comfort zone. They're useless and scared outside the 'safety' of their own country.

18 ( +31 / -13 )

Japanese do not have concrete evidence.

18 ( +32 / -14 )

It's a shame the government here made such a huge deal about this; now Ghosn is LAUGHING at them and there is absolutely NOTHING they can do.

15 ( +29 / -14 )

Childish question. He shouldn't be egging them on.

Very mature, intelligent question. The French are prepared to travel to Lebanon to interview him, why not the Japanese bureaucrats (Prosecutors)?

He's not egging them on, he is merely inviting them.

But, like I say, in Lebanon they cannot hold him hostage, nor blackmail his wife.

22 ( +36 / -14 )

Childish question. He shouldn't be egging them on.

-16 ( +18 / -34 )

Obviously no balls!

5 ( +21 / -16 )

Ghosn asks why Japanese don't come and question him in Lebanon

Simple. In Lebanon he is not a hostage (and nether is his wife)-

11 ( +26 / -15 )

"Ghosn asks why Japanese don't come and question him in Lebanon"

talk about laying the gauntlet down, we all know that the Japanese prosecutors wont rise to the challenge, it beats my why they dont, last week, Kyodo News in an exclusive interview this week that Lebanese authorities have not received any formal documents from Japan concerning Ghosn's extradition, well they could take it with them when they visit and interrogate Mr Ghosn. If the Japanese prosecutors have got a rock solid case, go and interview Mr Ghosn, if not give up and give it a rest.

13 ( +24 / -11 )

If french investigators are after you for almost the same accusations as their Japanese counterparts that not a coincidence Ghosn!

The main matter is to have a fair trial and not being treated like a murderer.

Sure he can be guilty of stealing money but why not the same process as for many japanese businessmen/politicians ?

23 ( +33 / -10 )

naitch,

They are NOT after him for the same thing Japan is, pay attention

16 ( +31 / -15 )

If french investigators are after you for almost the same accusations as their Japanese counterparts that not a coincidence Ghosn!

-17 ( +18 / -35 )

They’ll never go. They wouldn’t know how to interact with the locals.

20 ( +35 / -15 )

The reason the Japanese would never send anyone over is because then their gross incompetence would be on full display, they can only deal with hostages where truth just isnt a requirement at all!!!

23 ( +41 / -18 )

GOJ / MOJ / Prosecutor's Office ... not cut out to face for some REAL Arabian influence.

-7 ( +10 / -17 )

Maybe the Japanese should go to Tinder first and then head over to Lebanon.

8 ( +13 / -5 )

Joker

0 ( +15 / -15 )

What does he have to lose by taunting the Japanese prosecutors? They going to arrest him? Lay charges?

29 ( +33 / -4 )

It’s not just the Japanese who don’t want to go to Lebanon.

It's a beautiful country, with a lot of charm. Don't let tabloid media tell you what to think.

22 ( +41 / -19 )

He has a point, but the Japanese are not going to play his game. I would be very surprised if anyone from Japan goes to officially question him!

39 ( +42 / -3 )

Don't think that Lebanon will allow the Japanese style of questioning in their country.

38 ( +54 / -16 )

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