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The former chairman of Nissan escaped Japan in a "musical instrument case" while awaiting trial in the country, according to reports in Lebanon.

Carlos Ghosn, who was under house arrest charged with financial misconduct, fled the country and arrived in the Middle East by private jet.

Ghosn said he travelled to Lebanon to avoid "injustice and political persecution".

The ex-car manufacturing boss's wife is alleged to have helped plan the escape which was carried out by a paramilitary-style group, according to the Lebanese news channel MTV.

The channel said members disguised themselves as a music band who were due to perform for a Gregorian-style dinner at Ghosn's home in Japan.

Ghosn is then said to have left the premises in a box intended for transporting musical instruments, before leaving Japan from a nearby airport.

The millionaire has denied accusations he is avoiding justice and said Japan had a "rigged" system.

He was under surveillance while out on bail in the country and had surrendered his passports.

In a statement, Ghosn said: "I am now in Lebanon and will no longer be held hostage by a rigged Japanese justice system where guilt is presumed, discrimination is rampant, and basic human rights are denied, in flagrant disregard of Japan's legal obligations under international law and treaties it is bound to uphold.

"I have not fled justice - I have escaped injustice and political persecution. I can now finally communicate freely with the media, and look forward to starting next week."

Japan does not have an extradition treaty with Lebanon, and it is unclear what steps authorities might take to seek his return.

Prosecutors on the case were taken by surprise by his departure as were his own defence team who were unaware of Ghosn's plans until he arrived in Lebanon.

Ghosn's lawyer Junichiro Hironaka has condemned his client's "inexcusable behaviour".

Ghosn is accused of understating his salary while leading the firm, transferring personal financial losses to his employer and diverting Nissan money to enrich himself.

Earlier this year, he accused ex-colleagues in a video of backstabbing and conspiring against him.

Ghosn claimed some "selfish" executives had "really played a very dirty game" and insisted he was innocent of all charges.

He has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing - accusing Japanese authorities of trumping up charges to prevent a potential merger between Nissan and Renault.

Arrested in November 2018, Ghosn was expected to face trial this coming April. The charges he faces carry a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.

Born in Brazil, Ghosn is of Lebanese heritage and grew up in Beirut. He has retained close ties to the country.