Ghosn says ‘plot and treason’ behind arrest

Detained auto tycoon Carlos Ghosn has said his arrest in Japan was the result of a "plot and treason" by Nissan executives opposed to his plans for the firm, he told the Nikkei business daily Wednesday.

The daily quoted Ghosn as saying he had “no doubt” that the charges against him were motivated by Nissan executives opposed to greater integration of the firm with its French alliance partner, Renault.

He claimed the plans had been discussed with Nissan boss Hiroto Saikawa.

This is the first press interview Ghosn has given since his stunning arrest on November 19 and it was conducted in the Tokyo Detention Center where he has languished ever since.

The 64-year-old has been denied bail several times, with the court considering him a flight risk and concerned that he could attempt to destroy evidence.

But he again stressed that he “won’t flee. I will defend (myself),” according to the Nikkei.

“All the evidence is with Nissan and Nissan forbids all employees to talk to me,” he added.

Even his own lawyer has said it is unlikely he will be released before a trial, which could take up to six months to organize given the complexity of the case.

Ghosn faces three separate charges, all of which he denies.

Ghosn said he had "no doubt" that the charges against him were motivated by Nissan executives.

He spoke to the Japanese newspaper for about 20 minutes from the Tokyo detention center where he has been held for more than two months.

He stands accused of under-reporting his income between 2010 and 2015 to the tune of ¥5 billion ($46 billion) and continuing to do so for a further three years.

He also stands accused of a complex scheme to try to pass off personal foreign exchange losses to Nissan and using company funds to reimburse a Saudi contact who stumped up collateral for him.

The executive, once feted for his turnaround of the struggling Nissan, has been removed as chairman of the carmaker as well as of Mitsubishi Motors. He resigned as chairman and chief executive of French company Renault.

He told that there was a plan to “integrate” the three companies but insisted it was intended to ensure there would be “autonomy under one holding company.”