Japan said on Thursday it was working to secure the quick extradition of two men arrested in the United States on charges of allowing the dramatic escape of ousted Nissan Motor boss Carlos Ghosn from the country.
U.S. officials arrested a former U.S. Army Special Forces soldier and another man on Wednesday over the charges associated with Ghosn’s escape in December, while awaiting trial on allegations of financial misconduct. Ghosn has denied all charges.
“We are making preparations, including working to cooperate on a speedy extradition,” Chief Cabinet officer Yoshihide Suga informed reporters, acknowledging the arrests.
Japanese lawyer Junichiro Hironaka, who had defended Ghosn until he escaped, said in a telephone interview the major question was whether there was enough evidence to warrant extradition, and he would watch developments closely.
Former U.S. Green Beret Michael Taylor, 59, and his son, Peter Taylor, 27, were arrested by U.S. officials after the officials learned the latter had booked a flight from Boston to Beirut departing Wednesday with a layover in London, court papers revealed.
Nissan Motor has acknowledged the arrests, extradition proceedings and reserved the right to take further legal measures against Ghosn, the company said according to Reuters.
