Arrested Nissan executive Kelly tells Ghosn paid correctly

A former Nissan Motor executive arrested together with ex-chairman Carlos Ghosn has defended Ghosn’s compensation, stated it was discussed with other officials and paid out appropriately, Japanese public broadcaster NHK stated on Saturday.

In his initially reported comments since his arrest on Monday, Greg Kelly was also quoted by NHK as stating that he had worked for the good of Nissan instead of just following Ghosn’s instructions.

Japanese prosecutors stated Ghosn and Kelly conspired to understate Ghosn’s earnings by about half the 10 billion yen ($88 million) he earned at Nissan during five years from 2010. The company has also mentioned other, multiple infractions.

“The former chairman’s compensation was discussed with those in the associated department and carried out appropriately. I was not just following the former chairman’s orders, but collaborating for the good of the company,” Kelly stated, according to the report.

Nissan’s board voted unanimously on Thursday to eliminate Ghosn and Kelly from their positions. Both were arrested following a Nissan’s internal investigation uncovered evidence of misconduct, consisting of under-reporting revenues and personal use of company assets.