Seven detained in Istanbul for aiding ex-Nissan CEO's flight

ISTANBUL

Seven people were detained in Istanbul over aiding ex-Nisan CEO Carlos Ghosn's escape from Japan to Lebanon, according to security sources on Jan. 2.

Police squads detained the suspects; four pilots, two employees for a private ground service company and one operations director for a courier company, the sources said.

The arrest came after Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office launched an investigation into Ghosn's escape to Lebanon via Istanbul Airport, after skipping bail in Japan.

No further details of the suspects have been provided.

Red notice for Ghosn

Beirut received an arrest warrant from Interpol regarding ex-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn, Lebanese Justice Minister said in a statement.

A red notice has been received from the Interpol, Albert Serhan added.

A surveillance camera captured former Nissan Motor Co chairman Carlos Ghosn leaving his Tokyo residence alone shortly before his surprise escape from Japan, public broadcaster NHK said on Friday, citing investigative sources.

The security footage was taken by a camera installed at his house in central Tokyo and the camera did not show him returning home, NHK said.

Ghosn has become an international fugitive after he revealed on Jan. 1 he had fled to Lebanon to escape what he called a “rigged” justice system in Japan, where he faces charges relating to alleged financial crimes.

NHK said the police suspected Ghosn may have left his home to meet up with someone before heading to an airport. Under the terms of his bail, Ghosn was required to have security cameras installed at the entrance of his house. 

Some Lebanese media have floated a Houdini-like account of Ghosn being packed in a wooden container for musical instruments after a private concert in his home, but his wife has called the account “fiction”.

Former Nissan and Renault Chairman Carlos Ghosn, who was barred from leaving Japan whilst awaiting trial on charges of financial misconduct, has been on bail since March on conditions that included surrendering his passport to authorities.