One of the most bizarre and daring stories in recent history involves billionaire CEO Carlos Ghosn, who fled Japan by hiding in a 3-foot box after facing serious criminal charges.
Carlos Ghosn, former CEO of Nissan, became a celebrated figure in Japan after rescuing the car manufacturer from the brink of bankruptcy. Known for his aggressive cost-cutting strategies — including factory closures, layoffs, and stock sales — Ghosn’s leadership initially made him the highest-paid executive in Japan and a national hero.
However, his downfall began following the 2008 financial crash, when Japanese law mandated public disclosure for individuals earning over $1 million annually. Concerned about public backlash, Ghosn agreed to halve his $20 million salary, allegedly with an arrangement to defer the remaining portion until his retirement.
This financial maneuver led to accusations of underreporting income and financial misconduct. In 2018, Japanese authorities arrested him for allegedly misusing company funds and hiding millions in future earnings.
But the most incredible chapter came after his arrest. While out on bail and under strict surveillance, Ghosn orchestrated a daring escape. Disguised and concealed in a large music equipment box, he was smuggled out of his Tokyo residence and onto a private jet bound for Lebanon — a country with no extradition treaty with Japan.
Ghosn later held a press conference in Beirut, claiming he fled not justice, but injustice, arguing the charges were fabricated and politically motivated.
The escape shocked the world, not just for its audacity but for the legal and diplomatic questions it raised about international law and executive accountability.
