Japan gets suspects in exec’s smuggling

BOSTON — An American father and son wanted by Japan for aiding former Nissan Motor Co. Chairman Carlos Ghosn in his escape from the country in a box were handed over to Japanese authorities Monday, ending their monthslong battle to stay in the U.S.

Michael Taylor and his son, Peter Taylor, failed to persuade U.S. officials and courts to block their extradition to Japan, where they will be tried on charges that they smuggled Ghosn out of the country in 2019 while the former auto titan was awaiting trial on financial misconduct charges. Prosecutors have described it as one of the most “brazen and well-orchestrated escape acts in recent history.” Authorities say the Taylors were paid at least $1.3 million for their help

The Massachusetts men, who have been locked up at a suburban Boston jail since their arrest in May, were handed over to Japanese officials early Monday, said one of their attorneys, Paul Kelly.

The Taylors’ lawyers had argued they would be treated unfairly in Japan and subjected to “mental and physical torture.” They have accused Japan of pursuing the pair in an attempt to save face after the embarrassment of Ghosn’s escape.

Ghosn was arrested in November 2018 on charges that he underreported his future income and committed a breach of trust by diverting Nissan money for his personal gain. Ghosn has denied the allegations, saying that he fled to avoid “political persecution.”