Japanese Court Upholds Conviction of Former Nissan Executive Greg Kelly

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A Japanese appeals court upheld the conviction of former Nissan executive Greg Kelly on Tuesday, rejecting prosecutors' requests to overturn acquittals on other charges related to helping fugitive ex-chairman Carlos Ghosn conceal his income. Kelly was found guilty in 2022 for underreporting Ghosn's pay for one year and received a six-month prison sentence, which is suspended for three years, allowing him to remain in Tennessee.

Kelly's legal team stated intentions to appeal the ruling to the Japanese Supreme Court. In a statement, Kelly expressed disappointment but maintained confidence in ultimately prevailing. Ghosn, arrested in 2018 alongside Kelly, fled to Lebanon while out on bail and denies any wrongdoing.

The legal proceedings highlight the fraught nature of international corporate governance, especially with Ghosn's management style contrasting sharply against Japan's traditional practices. Meanwhile, Nissan, facing financial struggles, is looking to integrate operations with Honda Motor Co. amid broader industry challenges.

According to the Japan Federation of Bar Associations, less than 1% of criminal cases in Japan result in acquittals.

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