Nissan has launched a 90 million dollar lawsuit against former chairman Carlos Ghosn, following his arrest and escape from Japan.

According to the daily newspaper, The Guardian, the lawsuit comes on the eve of Nissan’s financial results announcement. The new chief executive, Makoto Uchida, said that he wants to help the struggling company back up onto its feet, as it handles further problems caused by the coronavirus outbreak, which has already forced the closure of one factory and led to a parts shortage.

The former chairman for carmaker Nissan, disappeared in December of last year following an investigation that brought to light evidence that he had been involved in fraudulent activities and misconduct within the company. Some of Ghosn’s corrupt actions include personal use of the companies private jets, failing to pay rent and using the company accounts to make payments on his behalf. Allegations have also been made that Ghosn had used money from Nissan to fund a luxury yacht for his family. Following the exposure of Ghosn’s fraudulent behaviour, Nissan is now seeking to recover monetary damages from their former employee. According to The Guardian, Ghosn’s lawyers are prepared to respond to points made on the case once the details have been brought to their attention.

In addition to being formerly employed by Nissan, Ghosn was also previously a leader for the French carmaker Renault and Japanese firm, Mitsubishi. The businessman, who was born in Brazil, holds four passports, one of which is believed to have helped in his escape to Lebanon.

Ghosn fled bail from Tokyo in December, his escape included a 2 hour 30-minute ride on the shinkansen to Osaka from which it is implied he boarded a private jet whilst hidden inside of a large container. The Jet landed in Istanbul, from where he continued his journey to Beirut in the early hours of December 30th. It has been suggested that Ghosn was aided in his escape by a specially assembled group and that his wife, Carole, was involved in the planning, something that Ghosn and his wife both deny. As stated by The Guardian, the escape means that Ghosn has lost about 14 million dollars in bail which has been paid to Japanese authorities, despite this, it is uncertain whether Nissan will be able to salvage any further money. Following his escape, Ghosn now remains in Lebanon, which has no deportation treaty with Japan. He is currently residing in Lebanon with his wife, who was born in the city, where he has made several public statements that claim he was a victim of a “rigged Japanese justice system”. One statement reads “I have not fled justice — I have escaped injustice and political persecution”, as reported by BBC News.

Ghosn’s elaborate escape plan shocked millions, embarrassed the Japanese security systems and the Japanese government remains baffled to how he managed to disappear. Others have found his escape humorous and just recently, on the 22nd of January, a video game, with the ironic name Ghosn is Gone, that parodies his escape became available. More information regarding the game can be found on the gaming website, Steam.

The Guardian brings to light how it is expected that Nissan will increase the cost of damages further, after adding the cost of fines from the Japanese Financial Services Agency, criminal proceedings penalties and all legal charges. In addition to the lawsuit recently filed by Nissan, the carmaking company said it may also take action against Ghosn’s claims that “unscrupulous, vindictive individuals” at the company had conspired to bring him down, something that Nissan considers as an unjustified and slanderous claim.