# Carlos Ghosn and Rachida Dati corruption trial begins

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/carlos-ghosn-and-rachida-dati-corruption-trial
> Updated: 2026-09-14T12:00:00.000Z. Sources: 24. Developments: 2.

The corruption trial of former Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn and former French Minister Rachida Dati has commenced in Paris. The proceedings focus on allegations that Dati received approximately 900,000 euros from RNBV, a Dutch subsidiary of the Renault-Nissan alliance, between 2009 and 2013 while she was a Member of the European Parliament.

Prosecutors contend that these payments, structured as annual legal fees of 300,000 euros, were used to mask illegal lobbying and influence peddling for the automotive group. Dati, who currently serves as the mayor of Paris's 7th arrondissement, faces charges of passive corruption and influence peddling, which carry potential penalties of up to ten years in prison and a ban from holding public office. Her defense maintains that her work for the alliance constituted legitimate legal counsel and was entirely separate from her political responsibilities.

Ghosn, who resides in Lebanon after escaping Japanese custody, is being tried in absentia. He faces charges including active corruption and breach of trust. Ghosn has raised procedural objections, claiming his summons was not delivered within the legally required timeframe.

## Claims

- Rachida Dati is accused of passive corruption and influence peddling. (corroborated by 13 sources)
- Carlos Ghosn is accused of active corruption, abuse of corporate powers, and breach of trust. (corroborated by 13 sources)
- Rachida Dati received a total of 900,000 euros from RNBV, a Dutch subsidiary of the Renault-Nissan alliance, between 2009 and 2013. (corroborated by 13 sources)
- The contract between Dati and RNBV included an annual flat fee of 300,000 euros. (corroborated by 13 sources)
- Dati's defense maintains she worked exclusively as a lawyer for the alliance and did not use her European Parliament mandate for Renault-Nissan. (corroborated by 13 sources)
- Dati faces up to ten years in prison and potential ineligibility for public office. (corroborated by 13 sources)
- It remains uncertain whether Carlos Ghosn will participate in the trial in person or via video link. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Carlos Ghosn is challenging the trial on procedural grounds, claiming his summons was not delivered within the required timeframe. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-14: Rachida Dati and Carlos Ghosn face corruption trial in Paris

Former French Minister Rachida Dati and fugitive Carlos Ghosn face trial in Paris over allegations of corruption and illegal lobbying involving 900,000 euros from the Renault-Nissan alliance.

21 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rachida-dati-and-carlos-ghosn-face-corruption-trial-in-paris

### 2026-09-08: Carlos Ghosn requests postponement of corruption trial in Paris

Carlos Ghosn has requested a postponement of his corruption trial in Paris, seeking to participate via videoconference from Beirut to contest allegations involving Rachida Dati and Renault-Nissan.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/carlos-ghosn-requests-postponement-of-corruption-trial-in-paris

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Cite as: Carlos Ghosn and Rachida Dati corruption trial begins. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/carlos-ghosn-and-rachida-dati-corruption-trial