Arab News, Tokyo

The wife of former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn denied reports that her husband left Japan hidden in a box that was required for the transportation of musical instruments.

Carole Ghosn described the reports as "pure fiction" in a statement given to Reuters. Sources told the media organization that Ghosn was "greeted warmly" by Lebanon's President Michel Aoun upon arrival to the country where he grew up, in line with earlier reports in local media.

This claim was dismissed by a media advisor to the president’s office.

The formerly celebrated auto executive sneaked out of his residence in Japan with the help of a private security company, the sources noted.

While in detention, he was visited by the Lebanese ambassador to Japan on a daily basis, they claimed.

The plan to escape trial in Tokyo was reportedly in preparation for three months. The pilot who flew Ghosn from Istanbul to Beirut on a private jet was unaware the disgraced executive, who used to be called "Le Cost Killer," was on board, according to the sources.