Nissan boss escapes Japan by 'hiding inside musical instrument box'

The former boss of car giant Nissan has skipped bail by fleeing Japan hidden inside a musical instrument box.

Carlos Ghosn, 65, was facing trial in Japan over allegations of financial wrongdoing.

But he managed to travel to Lebanon despite being under 24-hour surveillance and his lawyers having his passports.

Lebanese TV claimed a Gregorian band went to Mr Ghosn’s home in Tokyo to play at a dinner.

a Lebanese internal security forces vehicle parked outside Carlos Ghosn's home (Getty)

He then hid in one of the boxes used to transfer musical instruments, in an operation that involved ex-special forces, it said.

Officials in Lebanon, where Mr Ghosn grew up, said he entered the country legally and no action would be taken against him.

Lebanon does not have an extradition treaty with Japan. Mr Ghosn said: “I have not fled justice – I have escaped injustice.”

Mr Ghosn was arrested in November 2018, charged with falsifying financial statements.

He denied all the charges and accused senior Nissan executives of “plotting” his downfall.