Scandal-hit Renault boss Carlos Ghosn improperly received €7.8m (£7m) from a joint venture between Nissan and Mitsubishi, the carmakers allege.
Netherlands-based Nissan-Mitsubishi BV says the payment was made despite no discussion with the other two board members, Nissan chief executive Hiroto Saikawa and Mitsubishi CEO Osamu Masuko.
Ghosn was arrested on 19 November on charges of financial misconduct and faces a lengthy criminal trial.
The 64-year-old was denied bail earlier this week after being accused of under-reporting his salary and passing personal investment losses to Nissan.
Last week, he insisted he had been “wrongly accused and unfairly detained” as he appeared publicly in court for the first time since his arrest.
Image: Ghosn was denied bail earlier this week
The French government, which has stood by Mr Ghosn, is calling on the board of Renault to find a new CEO. France owns a 15% stake in Renault.
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Ghosn was dismissed as the chairman of Nissan in November as the scandal unfolded. Nissan holds a controlling stake in Mitsubishi Motors.
The Japanese firm said it would consider ways to recover the €7.8m in ‘improper payments’ from Ghosn, while Mitsubishi said it would consider ways to hold him responsible.