Carlos Ghosn has been released on bail after a Tokyo court rejected a prosecutor's appeal. The embattled former executive has been in detention since early April.
Advertisement
Carlos Ghosn, the former chairman of Nissan Motors, was released on 500 million yen bail (€4.04 million / $4.5 million) on Thursday after the Tokyo District Court rejected a prosecutor's appeal to keep him in detention.
Prosecutors forcefully argued that Ghosn — who is accused of underreporting his pay as well as diverting Nissan funds to his personal bank accounts — could engage in witness and evidence tampering if released.
The former executive posted his bail. He will be barred from leaving the country and will be subjected to surveillance. Ghosn is reportedly also required to give advance notice of all contact with his wife, Carole, who Japanese media reported had been in contact with persons involved in the allegations against her husband.
Ghosn led Nissan for almost 20 years and is credited with orchestrating the company's alliance with French carmaker Renault and the smaller Japanese manufacturer Mitsubishi.
Scandal-ridden bosses — how the mighty keep falling
After Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn was accused of underreporting his income for years to financial authorities, DW looks at other top executives — often saviors of big companies — who ended up in the firing line.
Image: picture alliance/AP Images
Nissan boss Ghosn's affairs scrutinized
Nissan Motor chairman Carlos Ghosn was arrested in November 2018 and subsequently charged with falsifying financial reports and breach of trust. He led a remarkable turnaround at the Japanese automaker, rescuing it from bankruptcy. An investigation continues into whether he under-reported his salary by 5 billion yen (€39 million $44.5 million) over five years from 2011.
Image: picture-alliance/AP Photo/T. Chea
VW boss takes the rap for Dieselgate
Ex-Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn resigned in 2015 in the midst of the Dieselgate scandal. The automaker was found to have lowered the emissions of its diesel-engine cars during environmental tests. VW set aside €27 billion to pay fines, buybacks and compensation Winterkorn has been charged in the US with fraud and conspiracy, but Germany does not allow the extradition of its nationals.
Image: picture alliance/dpa/U. Zucchi
Corruption shame blighted Siemens CEO
In 2007, Siemens chairman Heinrich von Pierer stepped down following a corruption scandal during his time as CEO. During the investigation it emerged that Siemens had created a system of slush funds and fictitious consultancy contracts, while also paying huge bribes, totaling at least €1.3 billion euros to win foreign contracts. Pierer later agreed to pay €5 million in damages to the firm.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/F. Mächler
Weinstein's notorious casting couch
Once-powerful movie titan, Harvey Weinstein, has been accused by dozens of women of sexual misconduct ranging from harassment to rape. He is out on bail and has pleaded not guilty in New York to six counts reportedly committed against three women. The accusations against him spurred the #MeToo movement, where women worldwide have spoken up against sexual harassment and assault.
Image: picture-alliance/AP/S. Hirsch
Advertising guru accused of misconduct
Sir Martin Sorrell, the founder of the global advertising powerhouse WPP, stepped down in April after 33 years. He denied accusations of personal misconduct and misuse of company assets. The Wall Street Journal alleged Sorrell had paid a sex worker on company expenses, which he responded were “scurrilous and salacious" claims.
Image: picture-alliance/AP Photo/M. Lennihan
Startup bad boy leaves under a cloud
Uber CEO Travis Kalanick resigned from his position in July 2017 after heavy pressure from several major investors in the San Francisco-based ride-hailing company. Concerns were raised about Kalanick's management style, including allegations of sexual harassment and discrimination. Under his watch, the firm's ruthless reputation has also been criticized by regulators. Author: Nik Martin