The Tokyo High Court has upheld a lower court's decision to impose a suspended sentence on Greg Kelly, a former executive at Nissan Motor. This decision, announced on Tuesday, concerns Kelly's involvement in the underreporting of the remuneration of former Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn. Kelly received a six-month prison sentence, which has been suspended for a period of three years.
The case centers around the falsification of a financial report for fiscal year 2017. The Tokyo High Court found Kelly partially guilty, affirming the Tokyo District Court's ruling from March 2022. However, Kelly was acquitted of charges related to financial declarations made in the preceding seven years.
Kelly, who was a close associate of Carlos Ghosn, played a significant role in the events leading to the underreporting scandal. The court's decision reflects an acknowledgment of his partial responsibility in the falsification of financial reports but stops short of full culpability for earlier years.
The Tokyo District Court had previously determined that Kelly's actions warranted a suspended sentence rather than immediate imprisonment. The High Court's recent decision reaffirms this judgment, allowing Kelly to avoid serving time in prison provided he adheres to the conditions set during the suspension period.
The case has drawn international attention due to its association with Carlos Ghosn, who was at the helm of Nissan and is a prominent figure in the automotive industry. The legal proceedings have highlighted issues within corporate governance and financial transparency at Nissan.
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