TOKYO:  The Japanese government is seen asking Lebanon to hand over former Nissan Motor Co. Chairman Carlos Ghosn, who left Japan without permission ahead of trial, officials said Tuesday.

The government has been shocked that Ghosn, who was awaiting trial on bail, managed to leave for Lebanon.

"Ghosn was under strict restrictions on activity. I wonder how he eluded them," a senior official said.

As soon as the news broke that Ghosn, accused of financial misconduct, entered Lebanon, the government checked the database of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan and other resources.

But the government could not find any record of his departure, officials said.

Lebanese media reports said Ghosn arrived aboard a private jet.

But departures are recorded also for passengers of private jets, an agency official said, adding that Ghosn may have used a different name to clear immigration.

The government is expected to ask the Lebanese government through diplomatic channels to hand over Ghosn.

But the two countries have no treaty on the handovers of criminals. Whether to meet such a request from Japan will be up to Lebanon.

Tokyo is seen making the request patiently, but it is uncertain whether Ghosn will be handed over to Japan.

Jiji Press