The U.S. attorney’s office disclosed on Thursday that Shohei Ohtani’s ex-translator, Ippei Mizuhara, purportedly misappropriated over $16 million from the Los Angeles Dodgers ace to address significant gambling debts. Ohtani, considered a victim in the case, was unaware of the fraud.
Mizuhara, who had been Ohtani’s translator for years, allegedly gained unauthorized access to Ohtani’s bank accounts and deceived the bank by posing as Ohtani himself. He reportedly withheld access to Ohtani’s accounts from his agent and other advisors.
The federal investigation into Mizuhara’s actions unveiled a series of wire transfers from Ohtani’s account to an illegal bookmaker starting in November 2021. Mizuhara confessed to the theft in encrypted text messages to a bookmaker on March 20, 2024.
The fraudulent activities were initially uncovered during a broader inquiry into illegal sports bookmaking operations in Southern California. Mizuhara, facing charges that could lead to a 30-year prison sentence, is scheduled for a court appearance shortly.
Despite accumulating massive losses, Mizuhara persistently sought increased betting limits from bookmakers. He acknowledged his financial woes and appealed for settlement options in November 2023.
Ohtani, cooperating fully with law enforcement, expressed his shock and disappointment during a press conference on March 25. He vehemently denied any involvement in sports betting and expressed his betrayal by someone he once trusted.
Ohtani, a standout player in Major League Baseball, recently signed a historic 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers. If found complicit, he could face sanctions under MLB’s gambling policy, ranging from suspension to permanent ineligibility.
