Baseball sensation Shohei Ohtani’s long-time interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, has been charged by US officials with stealing millions from Ohtani.
The lead prosecutor in California, Martin Estrada, stated that Mr. Mizuhara allegedly impersonated Ohtani to banks and placed unauthorized wagers.
Estrada emphasized that Ohtani is considered a victim in this case.
According to prosecutors, Mizuhara, 39, was accused of using Ohtani’s money for illegal sports gambling, depositing winnings into his own account.
The alleged theft involved over $16 million in unauthorized transfers from Ohtani’s account between November 2021 and January 2024.
Estrada stated that Mizuhara’s actions were driven by an “insatiable appetite for illegal sports gambling.”
The charging document suggests that Mizuhara, acting as Ohtani’s de facto manager, took advantage of Ohtani’s limited English proficiency.
He allegedly impersonated Ohtani to authorize wire transfers and used Ohtani’s funds to purchase baseball cards.
Mr. Ohtani denied giving Mizuhara access to his finances during an interview with prosecutors.
Law enforcement found no evidence implicating Ohtani in Mizuhara’s illegal activities.
Mizuhara faces a 30-year sentence for bank fraud and is reportedly negotiating a plea deal with prosecutors.
While sports betting is legal in many states, it remains illegal in California. Major League Baseball prohibits betting by players, officials, and employees.
Estrada clarified that there’s no evidence of Mizuhara betting on baseball games.
Ohtani, known for his record-breaking contract with the Dodgers, expressed shock and sadness over Mizuhara’s actions, stating that he had trusted him.
Mizuhara and his wife were recently photographed with Ohtani’s wife after weeks of speculation.
Source-BBC
