Carlos Ghosn sues Nissan for US$1 billion in damages

Former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn is suing the company for US$1 billion in damages, accusing it of fabricating criminal charges against him, a Lebanese court document seen by Reuters revealed.

The lawsuit, filed to Lebanon's public prosecutor last month, alleges Nissan, two other companies and 12 other individuals engaged in defamation, slander and libel, and fabricating evidence.

A judicial source said the first court session would take place on 18 September.

Ghosn was arrested in Japan in 2018 and charged with financial misconduct, a charge which he continues to deny.

He gained notoriety for his Hollywood-esque escape back to Lebanon, smuggling himself out of the country in a musical instrument box with the help of US private security contractors.

He has since resided in Lebanon, where he was brought up.

Despite the existence of an Interpol Red Notice, Ghosn has not faced any legal consequences in Lebanon.

Agencies contributed to this report.