Carlos Ghosn vs Nissan lawsuit: Hearings begin in Beirut

Hearings in the lawsuit filed by Carlos Ghosn against Nissan have begun in Beirut this week, with the carmaker’s former CEO seeking $1 billion in damages.

The 69-year-old was arrested in 2018 after being accused of under-reporting his salary and misusing assets of the Japanese carmaker, charges which he denies.

In 2019, he breached his bail conditions in Japan by fleeing to Lebanon inside a musical instrument box onboard a private jet.

Now he is seeking compensation from Nissan after claiming the company has damaged both his finances and reputation.

“Nissan has created a lot of damage for me, damage that cannot be repaired,” Ghosn told media, via BNN Bloomberg. “The only thing I can obtain is a small compensation.”

Reporters were on site at the lawsuit’s first court session at the Palace of Justice in Beirut on Monday but were unable to speak to any lawyers or the judge, reports ABC News.

Ghosn is still wanted at large in both Japan and France, and currently has a red notice out for his arrest issued by Interpol over his alleged crimes.