How the Carlos Ghosn and Nissan case unfolded

Ghosn and Kelly arrested in Tokyo

First charges filed over under-reported compensation

First indictment (as reported by Reuters). Ghosn, Kelly and Nissan were formally charged over under-reporting Ghosn's income for the five years to March 2015, and Ghosn and Kelly were rearrested over the three years to March 2018. On 11 January 2019 Ghosn was charged with aggravated breach of trust and with under-reporting for the three years to 2018, and Nissan was also indicted on the under-reporting charge. Ghosn had been arrested on 19 November 2018.

Ghosn charged with aggravated breach of trust and further under-reporting

SEC settlements with Nissan, Ghosn and Kelly

SEC v. Ghosn and Kelly, No. 1:19-civ-08798, and settled administrative proceeding against Nissan (Litigation Release No. 24606). Nissan agreed to a 15 million dollar penalty, Ghosn to a 1 million dollar penalty and a 10 year officer and director bar, and Kelly to a 100,000 dollar penalty, a five year officer and director bar and a five year suspension from practising before the SEC as an attorney. All settled without admitting or denying the allegations.

Ghosn, on bail in Japan, issues a statement that he is in Lebanon

Trial of Kelly and Nissan opens in Tokyo. Kelly pleads not guilty

Nanterre investigating judge issues international arrest warrant for Ghosn

International arrest warrants (as reported by AFP and Bloomberg). Warrants were issued for Ghosn and four current or former figures at the Omani distributor Suhail Bahwan Automobiles, over suspected misuse of company assets, money laundering and corruption relating to about 15 million euros in payments between the Renault and Nissan alliance and the distributor, according to AFP. Nanterre prosecutors confirmed the warrants on 22 April 2022.

Paris trial involving Ghosn and Dati opens, with Ghosn tried in his absence

Trial of Rachida Dati and Carlos Ghosn (as reported by AFP and Public Sénat). Ghosn was tried in his absence on charges that L'Orient-Le Jour listed as abuse of corporate assets, breach of trust, corruption and active influence peddling, linked to payments to Dati from a Renault and Nissan subsidiary. Dati denies the allegations. On 28 September 2026 prosecutors asked for four years' imprisonment for Ghosn with the arrest warrant maintained. Public Sénat reported that the court will rule in a few months.

Prosecutors ask for four years' imprisonment for Ghosn