Carlos Ghosn says he is innocent, passes onus of trading losses to Nissan

The high-profile executive was the architect of the alliance between Nissan, France's Renault SA and Mitsubishi Motors Corp

Carlos Ghosn rejected claims he failed to disclose income from Nissan Motor Co. and passed on trading losses to the carmaker, in his first public comments since his shock arrest almost two months ago.

“I have been wrongly accused and unfairly detained based on meritless and unsubstantiated accusations,” he said in a statement on Tuesday. “I have acted honorably, legally and with the knowledge and approval of the appropriate executives inside the company - with the sole purpose of strengthening Nissan.”

The former Nissan chairman, once feted as the automaker’s savior, appeared in a navy blue suit and white shirt and seemed