Two Americans Plead Guilty To Helping Ghosn Escape
Two American men accused of helping former Nissan Motor chairman Carlos Ghosn flee Japan to Lebanon have pleaded guilty on the opening day of their trial in Tokyo.
Michael Taylor, a 60-year-old former Green Beret, and his 28-year-old son, Peter Taylor, appeared at the Tokyo District Court on Monday.
Prosecutors say the two men helped Ghosn illegally leave Japan on December 29, 2019. Ghosn left Kansai International Airport hiding in a large container on a private jet and flew to Lebanon via Turkey.
Ghosn had been awaiting trial on charges of financial misconduct. He was out on bail at the time.
The Taylors, wearing black suits, admitted to the charges against them.
Prosecutors said Ghosn's wife Carole asked Michael Taylor to help him escape.
The prosecutors said that in July 2019, five months before the escape, the defendant agreed to take part in the scheme.
The Taylors' lawyers cited as a factor behind the escape that Ghosn is a relative of the defendants.