Coinbase processed $500,000 in bitcoin payments that aided the dramatic escape of former Nissan Motor Co. chairman Carlos Ghosn from Japan, according to Bloomberg.<\/p>\n
In December, two Americans used a box to smuggle Ghosn out of the Asian country, where he was facing criminal charges for embezzlement and financial manipulation.<\/p>\n
The former executive, who denies any wrongdoing, now lives in Lebanon, which does not have extradition relations with Japan.<\/p>\n
According to a court filing, the money was allegedly sent via the U.S. crypto exchange over a four-month period by Ghosns son, Anthony, to an accomplice named Peter Taylor.<\/p>\n
In total, Taylor pocketed $1.36 million. He had earlier received $862,500 in a separate transfer, wired by Carlos himself, the July 22 filing states.<\/p>\n
Taylor worked with his father, Michael, a U.S. Army Special Forces veteran, to help Ghosn escape in what is thought to be a musical instrument box, and into private jet, to avoid facing financial charges.<\/p>\n
The Taylors are now seeking to be released on bail following their arrest in May, at Japans request. U.S. prosecutors opposed bail, saying the duo was a security flight risk, especially now that they have access to Ghosns vast resources with which to flee.<\/p>\n
Ghosn has promised to assist the people that helped him during his trying times in Japan, according to a recent TV interview, Reuters reported.<\/p>\n
Coinbase, which is eyeing a U.S. stock market listing this year, courted controversy recently with its cosing up to law enforcement something that bitcoin fundamentalists may consider a betrayal of the top cryptos foundational principles.<\/p>\n
The exchange has revealed that it is selling a blockchain tool that provides law enforcement agencies the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) with superior analytical capabilities.<\/p>\n
What do you think about Coinbase processing the Ghosn transfers? Let us know in the comments section below.<\/p>\n
Image Credits: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wiki Commons<\/p>\n
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