Former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn, arrested last Monday on suspicion of financial misconduct, has rejected the allegations against him, Japanese public broadcaster NHK stated on Sunday.
Ghosn, who has not spoken publicly, has informed investigators that he had no aim of under-reporting his earnings on financial documents and has rejected allegations against him, NHK stated, without providing sources or further details.
Greg Kelly, a former Nissan executive arrested together with Ghosn on Monday, was quoted by NHK on Saturday as defending Ghosn’s compensation, stating it was discussed with other authorities and paid out correctly.
Ghosn and Kelly were eliminated by the automaker on Thursday and a source knowledgeable with the matter stated Nissan aims to nominate a new chairman under a month or two, hopefully before its next board meeting set for around December 20.
Japanese prosecutors stated Ghosn and Kelly conspired to underestimate Ghosn’s earnings by about half the 10 billion yen ($88 million) he made at the automaker during five years from 2010. The company has also mentioned other, multiple infractions.
