U.S. Army Special Forces veteran Michael Taylor and his son, Peter Taylor, accused of helping former Nissan Motor CEO Carlos Ghosn to escape from Japan, arrived in Tokyo on Tuesday to potentially face days of questioning from prosecutors for their contribution to the elaborate escape plan.
Both Taylors will not be indicted immediately but will likely face charges after a probe is concluded.
Their lawyers have already fought the battle to avoid being sent to Japan to face charges they helped Ghosn escape the country in a box, arguing they could not be prosecuted for helping someone “bail jump” and that if extradited, they faced the prospect of constant interrogations and torture.
Under Japanese law, suspects can be held for up to 20 days before being indicted or released, and are not permitted to have their lawyers present during questioning by officials. Once charged, defendants are often rejected bail by courts.
The Taylors, with the help of a collection of high-powered lawyers and lobbyists, for months waged a campaign to press their case against extradition in the courts, media, State Department, and White House.
The U.S. Supreme Court last month cleared the way for the extradition of both Taylors, who have been in U.S. custody since their arrest in May 2020.
“This is a sad day for the family, and for all who believe that veterans deserve better treatment from their own country,” Paul Kelly, lawyer of Taylors, said on Monday.
