Twenty Japanese Execs Hide In Local Exile From US DOJ

Cameron Aubernon
by Cameron Aubernon

At present, 20 Japanese executives are charged with price-fixing by the U.S. Department of Justice. Extradition, however, is proving hard to accomplish.

Automotive News reports that while most of the 20 are no longer employed by the Japanese suppliers where they once worked, at least one — Hiroya Hirose of NSK Ltd. — still has his title as section head of the ball-bearing maker’s West Japan Automotive Unit, even though he has enough charges to be thrown in prison for a decade on top of a $1 million fine.

However, all 20 are still in hiding in their home country, leaving the DOJ with no option but to file extradition. In turn, the Ministry of Justice can decide to honor the request based on what punishment awaits suspects abroad compared to Japan. As the businessmen would only receive a slap on the wrist at home, the ministry won’t be too keen on complying with the requests.

That said, the 20 are stuck in Japan thanks to the indictments, as they won’t be able to find work elsewhere. Further, the indictments put the group at the top of Interpol’s radar, allowing the agency to nab any one of the execs as soon as they leave the country.

Cameron Aubernon
Cameron Aubernon

Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.

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  • Raresleeper Raresleeper on Nov 25, 2014

    If any of these high ranking officials are indicted, they'll most likely spend a year or two (at most) at the minimum security farm. It's like a resort for the highest rung of the criminal element. Call it bragging rights for those who can afford to spend lavish amounts of money on legal counsel! But great shame and dishonor in home country! GREAT dishonor!! Commence the bamboo floggings!

  • Vaujot Vaujot on Nov 25, 2014

    I wonder: would the US extradite any US citizens to Japan in similar circumstances?

  • Stuki Stuki on Nov 25, 2014

    So some US bureaucrats wants to get in the news, and some lawyers wants to make a pile, by pretending setting prices without paying the lawyers enough for "advice' first, is some sort of great evil evil? Lawyers and beaureaucrats knows best, after all. About everything, including what prices it is appropriate to charge for ball bearings....

  • Lou_BC Lou_BC on Nov 25, 2014

    Price fixing only matters when it isn't a US company doing the price fixing..... Apple's anyone?

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