Jail sentences sought for Ghosn escape accomplices
TOKYO: Japanese prosecutors said yesterday they are seeking jail sentences of nearly three years for an American father-son duo who admit helping former Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn jump bail and flee Japan.
Former special forces operative Michael Taylor and his son Peter have been in custody since their arrest last year in the United States for helping smuggle Ghosn onto a private jet in an audio equipment case.
Mr Ghosn had led Nissan for nearly two decades, earning celebrity status as a rare foreign executive to thrive in Japan — until he was arrested in 2018 on allegations of financial crimes, which he denies.
At a Tokyo court, public prosecutors said they were seeking a sentence of two years, 10 months for Michael, and two years, six months for Peter, for their role in Ghosn’s audacious December 2019 escape.
The Taylors, who were extradited to Tokyo earlier this year, listened to an English translation of the comments through headphones, both dressed in smart jackets and shirts with no tie.
Ropes were tied around their waists and each man was flanked by guards who unlocked their handcuffs when they took their seats in the dock.
Their lawyers asked for a suspended sentence, with a verdict to come later this month.
“I’m remorseful, and I’m sorry,” 60-year-old Michael Taylor told the court in a tearful voice, adding: “It wasn’t for money.”
Peter Taylor, 28, said: “After my experience in the Japanese judicial system, my impression has changed a lot.”
“I apologise to the people of Japan, and I deeply regret my action.”
Mr Ghosn was on bail while awaiting trial on four counts of financial misconduct when he fled, transiting in Turkey before arriving in Lebanon, which has no extradition agreement with Japan.
The escape of the former auto tycoon, who remains an international fugitive in Lebanon, was hugely embarrassing for Japanese authorities.
A third man, identified as George Antoine Zayek, is also accused of involvement in the escape but remains at large. Prosecutors said last month Mr Ghosn paid the Taylors for their help.