Tokyo prosecutors have re-arrested ex-Nissan head Carlos Ghosn, who was out on bail pending trial for alleged financial misconduct. Ghosn called the latest arrest “outrageous and arbitrary.”
The latest arrest comes less than 24 hours after Ghosn wrote on his newly created Twitter account that he was “ready to tell the truth about what’s happening” and announced his plans to hold a press conference on April 11.
The ousted Nissan chairman was brought in for questioning after prosecutors entered his residence early on Thursday morning, according to Japanese broadcaster NHK. Officers reportedly confiscated the passport and mobile phone of Ghosn’s wife, who is not a suspect in the case, but was with him at the time of the arrest.
Prosecutors now claim Ghosn misappropriated Nissan funds for personal use, costing the company $5 million, Japanese media reported. They allege the 65-year-old transferred part of $34 million paid to a Nissan distributor in Oman, which was operated by his acquaintances. Some of the money was allegedly used to buy a luxury yacht, NHK said, citing sources.
Also on rt.com Renault appoints new leadership as imprisoned Ghosn resignsGhosn, who denies any wrongdoing, called the arrest “outrageous and arbitrary” and accused his former colleagues at Nissan of attempting to silence him by misleading the prosecutors.
“Why arrest me except to try to break me? I will not be broken. I am innocent of the groundless charges and accusations against me,” he said in a statement through his representatives, as cited by media.
READ MORE: Japan unexpectedly grants ex-Nissan boss bail after months behind bars
Thursday’s arrest warrant on Ghosn was the fourth that Japanese prosecutors have served on him. He was previously charged with financial misconduct for underreporting his income. In early March, the ex-chairman was released on bail of one billion yen (nearly $9 million) after 108 days in custody. Japanese media note that it is unusual for a person to be re-arrested while out on bail.
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