Nissan Motor Co.’s former top lawyer, who led an internal investigation into alleged financial misconduct by Carlos Ghosn, has said he endured retaliation, demotions and even corporate surveillance of his family after questioning the integrity of the probe.

Speaking for the first time about the arrest of Nissan’s celebrated ex-chairman Ghosn and his daring escape out of Japan, former Global General Counsel Ravinder Passi described what he views as a toxic corporate culture, rife with fear and reprisals for those who step out of line.

"This is just not normal behavior,” said Passi of what he claims was heavy surveillance of his family. "This is a car company. This is not the KGB.”