In a report by The Japan Times on 16 November 2024, it was revealed that French financial crime prosecutors have requested that Carlos Ghosn and French Culture Minister Rachida Dati face trial over alleged corruption linked to consultancy fees from the Renault‑Nissan alliance.
According to the report:
- Prosecutors are investigating the consulting fees Dati received after stepping down as Justice Minister, which are alleged to have been paid by the Renault‑Nissan alliance.
- Both Dati and Ghosn deny any wrongdoing.
- Ghosn, who holds Lebanese, French, and Brazilian citizenships, remains in Lebanon and cannot respond in person due to an Interpol Red Notice issued by Japan.
Ghosn’s legal team responded:
“Trapped on Lebanese territory because of a judicial decision, it is impossible for him to respond to the summons… It was impossible for him to access elements of the dossier and participate in the process, in flagrant violation of the right to defence.”
A judge must now decide whether both Ghosn and Dati will proceed to trial in France.
16 November 2024