Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter and friend, Ippei Mizuhara, has admitted to stealing millions from Ohtani to cover his gambling debts, as reported by the U.S. Department of Justice. Mizuhara, 39, could face up to 33 years in prison for bank fraud and filing a false tax return. He is expected to reach a plea deal.
U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada condemned Mizuhara’s actions, stating that he took advantage of Ohtani’s trust to fuel his gambling habit. The scheme began in 2018 when Mizuhara helped Ohtani set up a bank account in Arizona. Mizuhara started gambling with an illegal bookmaker in 2021, accumulating significant debts he could not repay. He then used his access to Ohtani’s bank account to fraudulently obtain money by changing security information and impersonating Ohtani in conversations with the bank.
Mizuhara made unauthorized wire transfers totaling nearly $17 million to associates of the bookmaker between November 2021 and March 2024. Additionally, he failed to report $4.1 million in income in 2022. Ohtani expressed his shock and sadness over Mizuhara’s actions and his arraignment is set for May 14.
