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Reuters
Official sources have not yet confirmed that Mr Ghosn has left Japan, where he was awaiting trial
Former Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn has reportedly travelled to Lebanon after leaving Japan, media outlets say.
The Financial Times newspaper quotes an associate of Mr Ghosn’s saying the businessman landed in Beirut on Sunday. There is no official confirmation.
Mr Ghosn was arrested over allegations of financial misconduct in 2018 and faces several charges.
It is unclear how we has able to leave Japan where he was on bail pending trial. He denies any wrongdoing.
Whether he has struck a deal with prosecutors or fled is unknown. The businessman holds French and Lebanese passports.
French newspaper Les Echos reports that he allegedly arrived in a private jet which flew to Lebanon from Turkey – although this is also unconfirmed. And the Wall Street Journal quotes a source who says Mr Ghosn fled Tokyo.
His lawyers have accused the Japanese government of conspiring against him, calling the prosecution’s case “politically motivated”.
Once considered a hero in Japan for turning around Nissan – and becoming the subject of a comic book there – Mr Ghosn spent 108 days in custody after his arrest in Tokyo in November 2018.
While he has since been released, he was under strict bail conditions and could not leave Japan.
He faces four charges – including an allegation by Nissan that he diverted money for his own gain. Nissan sacked him three days after his arrest.
Japan’s Foreign Minister Keisuke Suzuki visited Beirut on 20 December.
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