Ghosn received $9m in improper payments from Dutch joint venture, Nissan says
Embattled car executive Carlos Ghosn received $9m (£7m) in improper compensation from a joint venture between Nissan and Mitsubishi, the firms have claimed.
The car manufacturers said Ghosn was paid by a Netherlands-based joint venture without the knowledge of Nissan chief executive Hiroto Saikawa or Mitsubishi boss Osamu Masuko.
Read more: Renault-Nissan executives planned secret Ghosn payout via Dutch company
They said the payment raised concerns about possible embezzlement by the former Nissan chairman.
The claim is the latest blow for Ghosn, who has been in detention in Tokyo since his shock arrest on 19 November. Prosecutors have indicted him on charges of underreporting his salary and transferring personal losses to Nissan.
“That such misconduct also occurred at our affiliate is beyond shocking… it’s sad,” Masuko told reporters, according to Reuters.
Mitsubishi and Nissan said they will explore ways of recovering the money. Mitsubishi’s lawyer said the firm may bring a charge of embezzlement against Ghosn.
The scandal has shaken the foundations of the alliance between Nissan, Renault and Mitsubishi. While the Japanese companies have ousted Ghosn, Renault has retained him as chairman and chief executive.
Read more: Renault keeps Ghosn as chief executive and chairman
But earlier this week French finance minister Bruno Le Maire called on Renault to replace Ghosn.
Tokyo prosecutors rejected a request to release the car executive on bail earlier this week. Lawyers for Ghosn have since appealed the decision.