Former Nissan Motor Co. Chairman Carlos Ghosn was seen meeting with several people in Tokyo on Dec. 29 before taking a Shinkansen bullet train to Osaka as part of his departure from Japan, according to sources.
Security camera footage shows Ghosn accompanied by people believed to be accomplices in the 56-year-old former executive's escape to Lebanon, to avoid a trial over alleged aggravated breach of trust and other charges.
The Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office and the Metropolitan Police Department are trying to identify the accompanying individuals in the footage, while also investigating Ghosn's flight from Japan without court approval, a suspected violation of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Law.
At midday on Dec. 29, Ghosn was filmed leaving his residence by himself in Minato Ward, Tokyo, by security cameras installed at the complex.
High-ranking official greeted Ghosn
By Hiromi Uechi and Yasushi Kaneko / Yomiuri Shimbun Correspondents
BEIRUT -- At least one high-ranking Lebanese security official was among those who greeted Ghosn when he arrived at a Beirut airport, Lebanese government sources have told The Yomiuri Shimbun.
This account makes it more likely that the Lebanese government knew about Ghosn's escape to the Middle East country before he left Japan. Beirut has denied any involvement in the case.
According to the sources, Ghosn visited Lebanese President Michel Aoun after arriving in Beirut.
"The Lebanese Foreign Ministry got involved in this escape," said a Lebanese parliament member who is believe to be an acquaintance of Ghosn's. "It's likely some people received money and goods from Ghosn."
Mori criticizes 'illegal' escape
Justice Minister Masako Mori expressed regret on Monday over Ghosn's flight overseas, saying he was suspected of "having left Japan illegally using illicit means."
During a press conference at the Justice Ministry, which was also attended by many members of the foreign media, Mori was asked numerous questions about how the former Nissan executive could have left Japan while out on bail.
Mori repeatedly replied that she would refrain from answering because the case was under investigation.
Regarding Ghosn's criticism of the Japanese judicial system, Mori said, "having various opinions on our legal system and leaving Japan illegally are different issues."
"Leaving the country through unauthorized methods can constitute the crime of illegal departure. [Ghosn's criticism] cannot justify his flight from the country," she said.
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