Army Special Forces veteran and his son pleaded guilty in Tokyo on Monday to charges that they illegally helped former Nissan Motor Co Ltd (7201.T) Chairman Carlos Ghosn flee Japan hidden in a box aboard a private jet in December 2019.

Prosecutorsaccused them of helping Ghosn evade punishment and escape to Lebanon from western Japan's Kansai airport, receiving $1.3 million for their services, some of which was paid to an advertising company owned by the younger Taylor.

The Americans asked Ghosn for another $500,000 for legal fees after Japan sought their arrest, prosecutors said.

Their statement also said that Ghosn's wife Carole Ghosn sought help from Michael Taylor, with Ghosn later contacting him from Tokyo with a phone he had hidden from Japanese authorities.

Greg Kelly, a former Nissan executive charged with helping Ghosn hide his earnings, is also standing trial in Tokyo.