Shohei Ohtani’s Interpreter Charged with Stealing Millions
LOS ANGELES — The baseball world was rocked when US officials charged Shohei Ohtani’s long-time interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, with stealing millions from the sports star.
The lead prosecutor in California accused Mizuhara of impersonating Ohtani to banks and to place wagers, marking a stunning betrayal of trust.
“Ohtani is considered a victim in this case,” US Attorney Martin Estrada declared at a news conference in Los Angeles on Thursday, shedding light on the shocking allegations.
Mizuhara, 39, was swiftly dismissed last month as news of the alleged theft surfaced, leaving many in disbelief.
Prosecutors detailed how the interpreter used Ohtani’s funds to place bets and funneled his winnings into a personal account, totaling over $16 million in unauthorized transfers from November 2021 to January 2024.
“Mizuhara did all this to feed his insatiable appetite for illegal sports gambling,” stated Estrada, painting a picture of deception and greed.
According to the charging document, Mizuhara, acting as Ohtani’s de facto manager, capitalized on the language barrier between Ohtani and English-speaking individuals to carry out his elaborate scheme.
From January to March 2024, Mizuhara allegedly splurged $325,000 on baseball cards using Ohtani’s funds, further deepening the web of deceit.
An LA-based defence lawyer representing Mizuhara declined to address the charges, leaving many questions unanswered.
Despite the turmoil, Ohtani maintained his innocence during an interview with prosecutors, vehemently denying any involvement in Mizuhara’s illicit activities.
The severity of the criminal charge of bank fraud looms large, carrying a potential 30-year sentence in federal prison, as Mizuhara reportedly weighs a plea deal with prosecutors.
While sports betting is legal in many states across America, it remains a prohibited activity in California, underscoring the gravity of Mizuhara’s actions.
Major League Baseball’s strict policy against betting on games with illegal bookmakers further emphasizes the magnitude of the scandal, with no evidence linking Mizuhara to such activities.
Ohtani’s meteoric rise in the baseball world, culminating in a record-breaking contract with the Dodgers, has now been overshadowed by this shocking turn of events, casting a shadow over his illustrious career.
With Mizuhara’s betrayal coming to light, Ohtani’s trust has been shattered, as he grapples with the aftermath of the deception that unfolded behind the scenes.
As the investigation unfolds and legal proceedings progress, the baseball community watches with bated breath to see how this stunning saga will ultimately unfold. — BBC
