Ex-Ohtani Interpreter Accused of Embezzling $16 Million from Baseball Star

Ippei Mizuhara, who used to work as an interpreter for baseball sensation Shohei Ohtani, has been accused of committing bank fraud. According to US Attorney Martin Estrada in Los Angeles, Mizuhara allegedly took over $16 million from Ohtani's bank account without permission. The unauthorized transfers occurred between November 2021 and January 2024.

Mizuhara took advantage of his close bond with Ohtani, who he often accompanied because Ohtani struggled with English, to support his gambling habit, according to a statement from the US attorney's office.

Estrada mentioned that Ohtani is seen as a victim in this situation, and there is no proof that Ohtani was directly involved.

"Our investigation uncovered that Mr. Mizuhara took advantage of Mr. Ohtani's finances because of the trust he had with him," Estrada explained. "Mr. Mizuhara misused his position to exploit Mr. Ohtani."

Mar 26, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) waits on deck in the third inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium.

On March 26, 2024, in Anaheim, California, USA, Shohei Ohtani, the designated hitter for the Los Angeles Dodgers, was seen waiting on deck in the third inning during a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. The photo was taken by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/USA Today Sports/Reuters.

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If Mizuhara is found guilty, he could potentially be sentenced to a maximum of 30 years in prison, according to Estrada.

Last month, Mizuhara was terminated from his position after Ohtani’s legal team accused him of theft from Ohtani and participating in betting activities with a bookmaker currently being investigated by federal authorities. Ohtani later claimed that Mizuhara had taken money from one of his bank accounts.

The alleged theft by Mizuhara is much larger than previously believed. Initially accused of stealing around $4.5 million, prosecutors now anticipate the actual amount to be even higher.

The accusations against Mizuhara came to light when the Dodgers were in South Korea for an MLB season-opening series in March. Ohtani's legal team claimed that Mizuhara was involved in a significant theft of millions of dollars and had placed bets with a bookie who was under federal investigation.

Mizuhara is not suspected of gambling on baseball, the US attorney said.

“We do not believe any bets were made on baseball games,” Estrada said.

Ohtani, who recently signed a lucrative contract with the Dodgers, has strongly denied participating in any sports betting or paying a bookie.

Last week, Ohtani was questioned by federal investigators and he firmly denied giving authorization for the wire transfers, according to the US attorney’s office.

Law enforcement confirmed that Ohtani was not aware of or involved in Mizuhara's illegal gambling activities or payment of debts. Ohtani cooperated by providing his cellphone for investigation.

Estrada revealed evidence that Mizuhara impersonated Ohtani in phone calls to a bank. This was done to authorize wire transfers to associates of the illegal gambling operation he was involved in.

This is a breaking story and will be updated.

CNN’s Joe Sutton contributed to this report.

Editor's P/S:

The shocking accusations against Ippei Mizuhara, Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter, have sent shockwaves through the baseball community. Mizuhara's alleged betrayal of Ohtani's trust, taking advantage of their close bond for his own selfish gains, is a