CAIRO/PARIS: Former Nissan Motor Co. Chairman Carlos Ghosn hid in a musical instrument box to flee Japan, a Lebanese media organization reported Tuesday.

According to Lebanese broadcaster MTV, musical instruments were carried into the place where Ghosn was staying in Japan because a party was held there.

The instruments were carried out after the end of the party. Ghosn had slipped into one of the boxes of the instruments before they were taken out, MTV said, indicating that a security company cooperated in the escape.

Ghosn left Japan from an airport outside Tokyo, MTV said, adding that he is staying at a home of a relative in Lebanon.

In Japan, he is accused of financial misconduct. He was awaiting trial on bail.

After leaving Japan, Ghosn entered Lebanon via Turkey, and he held a French passport when he entered Lebanon, according to MTV.

Another Lebanese media outlet said a Western public security organization cooperated in the escape, adding that a security company that operates in conflict zones was also involved.

According to the online version of France's Le Monde newspaper, Ghosn left Japan from a minor airport other than Tokyo International Airport aboard a private jet between Sunday night and Monday.

Ghosn's wife, Carole, masterminded the escape, and she accompanied her husband on the plane, Le Monde also said.

There was information that Ghosn met with Lebanese President Michel Aoun after his arrival. But this information was denied by some media organizations.

Jiji Press