crime

U.S. arrests ex-Green Beret, son on charges of smuggling Ghosn out of Japan

87 Comments
By MICHAEL BALSAMO and ALANNA DURKIN RICHER

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87 Comments
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still waiting on the update....will they extradite?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Most would have tried to do what Ghosn did if they had the means, but he has single-handedly destroyed the chance of getting bail for any non-Japanese person who is arrested in the future.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Why were the boxes not checked? Heads should roll at the lax security at the airport

Private airplane, private flight. This is the standard in the world, and does not indicate lax security, or at least no more lax than the standard around the world.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

For all the double talk going on, remember the ex-SEAL who tried to overthrow Venezuela recently. Dumpster didn't beat his chest for his return and these guys will have to face Japanese justice for their serious international crime.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

The Army...haha ...and as A Marine Recon, Green Berets are not that big of a deal

Actually the Army SF types are; much bigger budget and better assets like linguistic ability and weapons. For this kind of a mission, (similar to snatch and grab) this guys training was perfect.

Force is a very small unit, kind of an apples and oranges comparison. If you want something done right though, I would use the Marines every time just due to their sheer tenacity and will to fight, and that comes from getting it dont with barely nothing, but lots of respect for the SF Army types and their pipeline.

I hope these people don't get extradited to Japan without support

Im thinking Trump will get involved, but its a criminal case, and the merc guy already has a record. You read allot about these guys who get into shenanigans once they get out, Marchinko comes to mind. They gotta eat too. I think there is an agreement with the US that they can do part of their time in Japan, part in the US.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Japan chasing Ghosn is going to inevitably due to the increased profile of the case, end up with a lot of international focus upon the way Japanese Companies operate. I hope these people don't get extradited to Japan without support

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

"I’m in the minority here but if I were sitting in solitary confinement for months on end on Trumped up charges, not allowed visitation from my wife, constantly “interviewed” to extract a confession, be virtually certain of a conviction and a lengthy sentence and I were rich (which I am not) I’d jump bail too."

If that's how you feel, I have to respect that.

However, what many don't understand/appreciate is that the crux of the issue is no longer "if I cannot get Carlos I'll get my revenge somewhere else".

A crime has been committed. A huge one at that.

NO Government, anywhere in the World is going to "accept", "forget", "pretend they did not know" that Bail has been breached.

This is one of the Law's fundamental tenets, but then again the general populai don't know of their existence, let alone meaning. Bail is at the core of Legal Systems.

The Beret (and others) were/are accessories to a crime.

Can you defend yourself by stating that you only witnessed a murder but had nothing to do with it? That you ONLY actually helped bury the body (after being "deaded" by your Auntie Matilda)?

But I only drove the car in which my friend escaped after helping himself at the Barclays bank. I did absolutely no wrong at all.

Do you really believe they'll let you go scot-free if the ONLY thing you did was just stand there whilst your friend bashed someone's head? Oh dear, the poor f...k.r died, but it's nothing to do with me, I was just there. None of my business to "rat".

Many on here wish/want Government(s) to "let it go" on account of their personal feelings and outrage.

Sorry, the Law is blind.

Do the sympathizers think it would be any different in their own beloved countries?

If you do then London Bridge is up for sale; again.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

The Justice Ministry is really going to get their hands on these guys because there’s no way they’re going to get Carlos.

I’m in the minority here but if I were sitting in solitary confinement for months on end on Trumped up charges, not allowed visitation from my wife, constantly “interviewed” to extract a confession, be virtually certain of a conviction and a lengthy sentence and I were rich (which I am not) I’d jump bail too.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Well, I hope Ghosn paid them enough because they are through in their line of business. If they get extradited to Japan, wouldn't it be ironic if they both end up in the same detention center where Ghosn was?

I wonder how Ghosn feels about all these people going down so he could live in exile in Lebanon. The pilots and cabin attendants of his escape plane and now these two guys. I bet they thought they were being so clever when they were working out their plan.

And let's not forget Greg Kelly.

None of this should have been necessary. It should have all been handled internally by Nissan. If they thought Ghosn was doing something shady, they could have removed him from the board.

I imagine Ghosn is probably getting a little nervous. Lebanon won't extradite him but that Interpol red notice is stapled to his name forever, so he isn't going anywhere. Not to mention that Lebanon is politically and financially unstable.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Their mercenary business is going to boom.

No it will not. They got too much publicity and will be on a a lot of radars.

They are done and should hope Ghosn's money lasts them long enough.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

TOTALLY UNFAIR. Human Rights , pls act.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

These men are an accessory to crime. They should have stayed away from this. Greed

2 ( +5 / -3 )

USA has to pretend it does follow rules established with Japan.

Green berets is a family.

They'll get 1 or 2 years of prison as always and be out afterwarks doi'g their jobs.

A-Team like.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

I call this Justice.

As for what are the real odds for Ghosn, I don't know. We may, however, make inferences by his lawyer begging for the right to search random E-mails. That's only important if the casefile already has enough to "cook" Ghosn and he's praying for some exculpatory information that he doesn't even know is in there.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

everyday Ghosen is in the news is validation of a Japan's broken "justice" system. They should just let it go

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

Taylors' career as mercenaries is over for good

They managed to extract a high profile person from a first world country. Their mercenary business is going to boom.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

All these debacle and waste of money could have been avoided if the ojii-san's in Nissan had the balls to face Ghosn internally. Yet they involved a whole country and tax payers money, and now three more countries, on what charges? Breach of trust? Hurt feelings? 20,000 Euros? Retirement money that wasn't even given yet?

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Please America, don’t extradite US citizens to face inhumane conditions in Japan where human rights are ignored...

If you can’t do the time...

3 ( +5 / -2 )

I havent seen anything from the prosecution side either that proves him guilty.

It seems the American prosecutors have. He would be arrested in the USA as well just like this father son team.

Again if I were this green baret dude I would gladly do time in an easy Japanese prison for a few million dollars. Piece of cake. Then it's time to hit the beach forever after that.

If anyone wants to be constructive of Japan's system is they should have a Miranda type system like in US or Canada. If Japan is so bad then why is the FBI arresting these people as well.

2 ( +6 / -4 )

The Japanese government should just let it go. Enough already. No more hostage justice.

-4 ( +4 / -8 )

Anything to deflect from the current crisis and Abe's inability to deal with it effectively, I guess.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

Now please ENLIGHTEN many an "expert" who believes/think that his actions in fleeing (and implicating lots of people in the process) are somehow defensible.

There is no defence available for skipping bail.

Oh, btw I don't like the Law, so I'm off.

It doesn't work like this I'm afraid; not in Japan, UK or Tuvalu.

He is now a criminal everywhere he goes; his accomplices must be brought to book.

Simples.

Actually its not that simple if both sides are not being transparent and reciprocal. Its been my observation and experience, that the default position for the gaijin in Japan is guilty until proven innocent, which usually there is no proven innocent but proven guilty using circular reasoning.

Where Ghosn went wrong, was not understanding the culture, and breaking. I dont think he would of ever got a fair trial in Japan, but what he has now is worse? I mean if he become a politician maybe he wins, but perpetual fugitive? Others going to jail? Economic pressure?...

risk vs reward kind of thing.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

I watched his long post escape rant, and was a bit disappointed; still waiting on the goods he supposedly has,

I havent seen anything from the prosecution side either that proves him guilty. Im trying to understand why they have it for this guy.

The work that Ghosn put in for Japan and Nissan was monumental and he deserves praise for that, but time and time again, the pattern of punishing the gaijin CEO seems to be the norm.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

Lebanon, of course, is the only country that he can deal with now; and so he is captive there like the proverbial bird in a gilded cage. No doubt wishes he were cruising the Med on his yacht...

1 ( +4 / -3 )

For those of you who've forgotten, Ghosn said he'd participate in a trial too, just not in Japan where the conclusion would be foregone.

This is true, and its why I dont think he is laughing about it. I think he is recovering; once you leave Japan, it has the effect of damage..and you dont want to experience it again..for some..)

The problem is, what country will give him a trial, that Japan would agree to? Zero? Therein lies his dilemma.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

The Green Beret and his son will be the fall guys. And like many of you said, Ghosn is laughing in exile now. He ain't going anywhere

I dont think so, but the can of worms thing...he didnt think it through. Perpetual fugitive now... many going to jail for him to... what next? The rabbit hole will continue, but I dont think he is laughing about it. He made the fundamental mistake many gaijin do of not playing the long game. For sure, he suffered, but thats the gaijin experience, even some Japanese have it worse.

Should of took a deal, done the time, then played his own long game with books, story time etc after leaving Japan and recovering. I havent seen anything he said post escape that is a smoking gun, but I havent seen anything from the prosecution side either that gets me sold he is guilty

This green beret guy, he assumed the risk, so possible jail time for him was part of the deal; he is not a fall guy, thats his business. If he does time in Japan, he might tell his own story but the others...dont know how that would go down.

I suggest you better think long and hard before living working or marrying in Japan.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

@Alfie Noakes

My first thought as well. Relatively quick to arrest these two but not follow through with an Interpol Red Notice from the UK Gvt'.

Disappointing double standards. The US should require the Japanese judicial system get their act together before arresting anyone at their request.

{For those unfamiliar with the situation google 'Harry Dunn crash'.}

5 ( +6 / -1 )

Maybe good financial risk? You don't do that much time in Japan (compared to the USA). Maybe one year at most? I'd do one year in a japan prison for several million and it seems that's what Ghosn paid them. It would be my good retirement scheme. But this also shows that the Japanese. Some people say the Japanese criminal system is a real scam? If so then how come the US authorities agree?

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Reckless Months or years of solitary confinement to force any confession, true or false, is not a criminal justice system.

Suspects have been held in Guantanamo Bay since 2001 incommunicado for possible terrorism, and they've been tortured. Before we criticize Japan's legal system the US needs to look at its own. And for that matter the UK too concerning Northern Ireland.

WobotToday 11:05 am JSTI wonder if the US will extradite them, the Japanese government has an incentive to give them a fair trial since everybody's watching but they'll be punished in Ghosn's place.

For those of you who've forgotten, Ghosn said he'd participate in a trial too, just not in Japan where the conclusion would be foregone.

The Green Beret and his son will be the fall guys. And like many of you said, Ghosn is laughing in exile now. He ain't going anywhere.

3 ( +9 / -6 )

I totally agree with Ricky Kaminski13. Let it go! Japanese need to worry more about their economy and the way in which Abe is managing things. Ghosn is long gone and extraditing these individuals now in the middle of a COVID crisis and rehashing this drama is a waste of time.

For Japanese having been outwitted by Ghosn, this is all about retribution and, in my opinion, will not end well for them.

5 ( +14 / -9 )

and committed a breach of trust 

Really? The one who committed a breach of trust are the fools at Nissan and the small pets at Renault that fabricated all this situation that cost the two companies an enormous amount of money. Look at where Nissan and Renault are now, look at where the so-called alliance is now. Look at how much capitalization those companies lost and look at their collapse of profits. This was even before the COVID-19 and it will get much worse for them from now on. Nissan already announced few months ago that to it will cut 12,500 jobs worldwide and that it will pull out from mainland Europe closing facilities in France and Spain. Renault is about to annonce a massive restructuring plan that could see also the closing of major plants.

If I would be Ghosn, I would be having a good laugh now watching those idiots trying to keep their head above the water.

5 ( +11 / -6 )

These men are brave patriots who only sought to give this poor man the benefits of liberty and justice.

Rich corporate men are the most persecuted in the world, more than anyone else. I do hope he is compensated for his sufferings, the brave, totally law-abiding man.

-10 ( +4 / -14 )

I should also recall to some people here that Saikawa who admitted receiving excess pay never got prosecuted by the same so-called prosecutors that fabricated the charges against Ghosn. You can be as a Japan fanboy as you want, the reality of facts is stubborn and there is no way to defend Japan here. They fabricated a scandal and accusations to get rid of Ghosn, period.

Now if US decides to extradite them to Japan, it will prove how stupid and naive some Western countries can be towards Japan thinking that the latter is a rule of law country. It isn't, it operates more as a mafia. The oligarchy protects its members and those never go to jail. The rest of the population gets to be under an arbitrary, brutal and dysfunctional justice system.

8 ( +16 / -8 )

I’m very glad that two of these guys got arrested. If they were this instrumental in Gohsn fleeing Japan, then all the more reason why I’m glad they got arrested.

-8 ( +8 / -16 )

What the hell was he thinking? It's not like Ghosn was a missing POW in a Rambo movie.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

People forgot that the US never deported its own citizens for a foreign extradition. These two will get away free with good lawyers under a fair legal system. Something that one can't find in Japan.

3 ( +13 / -10 )

@AlfieNoakes,

Hmmm. So the US will refuse Britain's requests for the extradition of Anne Sacoolas, the CIA operative accused of killing 19 year-old motorcyclist Harry Dunn, but will instantly extradite these two mercenaries to a country with a brutal hostage justice system where they face torture and a kangaroo court?

You conveniently forgot to mention that Michael Taylor is an ex-con trained by the U.S. military to nuke the civilians of Fulda, Germany and turn the area into an uninhabitable wasteland.

Germans will not miss this ex-con trained to mass murder and destroy their country.

5 ( +8 / -3 )

So he's helped rescue abducted children, and now he's being arrested for rescuing an abducted adult?

If you knew you were going to be jailed on fabricated charges and were going to spend many many years in jail, given the choice, would you flee to your home or spend the rest of your life in jail?

3 ( +14 / -11 )

I hope the few million that Ghosn paid was worth it.

Being part of such a high profile escape has its consequences and Taylors' career as mercenaries is over for good.

2 ( +10 / -8 )

The mercenaries (soldiers of fortune) most likely got paid far more than they are worth for aiding and abetting a criminal.

Time will tell if the Brazilian/French/Lebanese man will be returned to Japan to face justice.

I found it confounding when his second wife, who claims to be a citizen of the United States of America, asked the U.S. for assistance with his case.

-7 ( +7 / -14 )

Without considering the political aspects, the ex-green beret and his son have accomplished a mission impossible and should be treated with respect. This reminds me the case of Oliver North in the illegal arms sales to support the Contra group in the 1980s, North was considered a hero by the US president Reagan for doing the dirty work for a good cause.

.

5 ( +11 / -6 )

Complete BS. Why wasn't the "cargo" carrying Ghosn inspected by officials at the airport or by officials charged with monitoring Ghosn when the cargo was leaving the apartment where Ghosn was living? If you really believe that these two guys from the US pulled this off by themselves then you probably believe that only Japan has four seasons or that Kim Jong Un hit 18 holes-in-one on his first golf outing. Japan wanted Ghosn out to avoid a trial because that would have demanded Saikawa or whoever the fool was who succeeded Ghosn take the stand and share Nissan's tax records. That would have brought the whole house of cards down. Nope. Not buying it.

10 ( +17 / -7 )

To extradite Michael and Peter Taylor to Japan because they helped a man who should never have been arrested in the first place and was mistreated to escape, and would themselves become victims of Japan's inhumane "justice" system upon arrival would be a travesty of justice.

3 ( +15 / -12 )

The story of Ghosn Escape is getting more interesting...

It’s like I’m reading a suspense novel. I wonder what the ending would be. To be continued...

1 ( +3 / -2 )

So basically, if the jgovt can't get ghosn, they will go after the others. Tss. That still won't bring him back to japan.

Well, I am pretty sure if this happened in most other countries, help a person awaiting trial/prisoner to escape the country, they would also be chasing after all involved. Do you know of a country that it is perfectly fine to do this?

9 ( +10 / -1 )

Evaluation, judgement, morals, ethics and individual decision are tromped on and substituted for with blind obedience.

Which is why it has been reported that the US military is more red than blue.

BTW. Bertie, I defer to your unassailable logic: your armor-plated argument is unbeatable, but allow for the smidgen of sarcasm in my post.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Apparently, when they checked into the hotels, they were quoted saying, "Do you have a ruuuum?"

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Taylor, as a former Green Beret, ought to have known that you cannot commit crimes with impunity without a green light from a government.

How? He's been programmed to obey orders. All he knows is he has to get the job done. "Ours not to reason why. Ours but to do or die."

He's a robot. Thousands of people are being programmed in boot camps this way in countries all over the world.

Evaluation, judgement, morals, ethics and individual decision are tromped on and substituted for with blind obedience.

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

My thoughts are that they have been treated leniently in the past because their quasi-legal methods are sometimes the only way to facilitate things in a sticky situation.

With a good lawyer, endless arguments on technicalities, and intervention from above, they might well end up with another smack on the wrist.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

So basically, if the jgovt can't get ghosn, they will go after the others. Tss. That still won't bring him back to japan.

I wonder who really initiated these recent arrests though. Was it turkey and the US out of their own volition, or did they really only do it because of pressure from japan...

-3 ( +4 / -7 )

NNow we'll see how honest the US government is.

3 ( +7 / -4 )

These series of crimes all STARTED when Nissan & the J-Govt colluded to jail Ghosn, I suggest the J-courts START with that case please!!!

3 ( +15 / -12 )

Taylor, as a former Green Beret, ought to have known that you cannot commit crimes with impunity without a green light from a government.

9 ( +11 / -2 )

They don’t have to worry, they have many connections. They will be released. Not extradited

4 ( +8 / -4 )

I don't make any money off of this story so I am just excited to see the HollyWood Block Buster! What do you think we should name the movie?!

5 ( +5 / -0 )

He must have been a good soldier. Why he and his son did it? They would badly have needed lots of money for life? Crime is crime. Arrested someday though they are running as possible as they can, because there are many evidences.

7 ( +12 / -5 )

Hmmm. So the US will refuse Britain's requests for the extradition of Anne Sacoolas, the CIA operative accused of killing 19 year-old motorcyclist Harry Dunn, but will instantly extradite these two mercenaries to a country with a brutal hostage justice system where they face torture and a kangaroo court?

24 ( +41 / -17 )

"They might have been arrested/ held but extradition is another matter the US courts could well find they would not get a fair trail in Japan and nix that one."

Absolutely correct on this one.

However, offences to the Bail Act are extremely serious; I would be astonished if the US Legal System did not come down strongly on the prevaricators who assisted on such illegality.

Had this happened in the UK his Solicitor would have a 99.99% of being struck off by the Law Society.

No more Law career for him. Ever.

I know quite a few Solicitors who have lost their licences due to Breach of an Undertaking (i.e. Bail).

This no joke for someone who's had put up an LLB + Law School, ending up washing cars at a local garage.

Or worse, commenting on JT.

0 ( +11 / -11 )

At present foreign nationals from the USA and more than 100 other countries are banned from entering Japan!

10 ( +13 / -3 )

They may not be extradited Japan but they will surely lose whatever they earned and may be more, unless they hid their booty under someone’s bed, so why do it? When u know you will be caught in the long run, I wouldn’t do something like that with my son though, Putting all your eggs in one basket, they are lucky they were not caught in Japan.

8 ( +13 / -5 )

Just let it go Japan. I understand the rule of law thing an all, but there are rules of conscious, unwritten rules of character that also exists in the world. The Ghosn shemozzle was a disgraceful mess from the very start. Let a dead dog lie already.

America, you don’t have to play ball on this one. There’s a pandemic and a coming economic crisis and these jokers just can’t let go, Face can be a ridiculous notion sometimes.

3 ( +23 / -20 )

Now the noose around Ghosn’s neck is tightening.

Ghosn will not be facing death by hanging. Probably 40-50 years in prison if found guilty.

-4 ( +9 / -13 )

Please America, don’t extradite US citizens to face inhumane conditions in Japan where human rights are ignored...

13 ( +35 / -22 )

These two Americans could be held in a Japanese prison cell for many, many years. They do not seem very clever, it is well known the USA has an extradition treaty with Japan.

If Ghosn has a conscience, he will return to Japan immediately to face up to the charges, and allow the Japanese government to release the Americans.

-3 ( +17 / -20 )

"I still support Ghosn on the original charge - innocent until proven guilty. But his fleeing was obviously illegal, and he should be returned for trial."

Exactly.

Now please ENLIGHTEN many an "expert" who believes/think that his actions in fleeing (and implicating lots of people in the process) are somehow defensible.

There is no defence available for skipping bail.

Oh, btw I don't like the Law, so I'm off.

It doesn't work like this I'm afraid; not in Japan, UK or Tuvalu.

He is now a criminal everywhere he goes; his accomplices must be brought to book.

Simples.

1 ( +25 / -24 )

They might have been arrested/ held but extradition is another matter the US courts could well find they would not get a fair trail in Japan and nix that one.

4 ( +20 / -16 )

HAMBURGERToday  06:38 am JST

Ghosn will pay them handsomely

Ghosn has already paid them handsomely. Paul V Kelly of Jackson Lewis PC as defense attorney? We're talking very large $$$ here.

So the US goes after these two rambos. Turkey goes after the airplane thieves. Can't wait for the usual posters to start jpn/nissan/abe bashing as a response.

12 ( +26 / -14 )

Now the noose around Ghosn’s neck is tightening.

-15 ( +17 / -32 )

I still support Ghosn on the original charge - innocent until proven guilty. But his fleeing was obviously illegal, and he should be returned for trial.

-1 ( +18 / -19 )

This will result in nothing less than a full examination of the Japanese legal system in a U.S. court. Could be the end of their extradition treaty, which would be a good thing.

10 ( +30 / -20 )

vanityofvanities

How different people are reacting now. This forum was filled with huge support of Ghosn when it happened.

Different people.

12 ( +15 / -3 )

Sorry I meant end of story. These men are stupid to think that they can get away with this and walk away with millions of dollars. Ghosn doesn't care about anything but his butt.

2 ( +25 / -23 )

In a country where tax evaders are treated much more harshly than child molesters and rapists, why am I not surprised...

17 ( +29 / -12 )

How different people are reacting now. This forum was filled with huge support of Ghosn when it happened.

19 ( +35 / -16 )

A lot of people getting arrested for this is sad.

it should never have happened, the prosecutors should not have jumped in bed and believed everything the Nissan goons threw at Ghosn

18 ( +42 / -24 )

Ghosn is all about himself. Nend of story. Time will tell.

4 ( +28 / -24 )

Did they really think they'd be able to get away with it?

20 ( +33 / -13 )

Mr Goshn could not keep his mouth shut and bragged how he escaped Japan and who helped him...Just shows his character that he cares nothing but himself.

-3 ( +41 / -44 )

When is the movie coming out.

22 ( +31 / -9 )

Ghosn will pay them handsomely

14 ( +22 / -8 )

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