Interpreter Charged with Bank Fraud Involving Baseball Star’s Millions
In a stunning revelation, Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter for Japanese baseball sensation Shohei Ohtani, has been indicted on charges of bank fraud. The U.S. Attorney’s Office alleges that Mizuhara siphoned more than $16 million from Ohtani’s bank account to cover his own gambling debts.
According to U.S. Attorney E. Martin Estrada, Mizuhara facilitated the creation of the account in question for Ohtani, who recently inked a historic $700 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The interpreter is accused of deceiving bank employees into making unauthorized wire transfers to an illicit sports gambling operation.
Ohtani, who has maintained his innocence throughout the ordeal, expressed his dismay at being the victim of theft by someone he trusted. The Justice Department has corroborated Ohtani’s stance, confirming that there is no evidence implicating him in any gambling activities and emphasizing that he is considered a victim in this case.
The investigation into Mizuhara’s activities began after substantial losses were reported through an illegal sports book. Estrada highlighted that Mizuhara exploited his position of trust to access Ohtani’s funds illegally. The affidavit supporting the charges includes a message from Mizuhara admitting to the theft.
Mizuhara’s attorney, Michael Freedman, has yet to make a statement regarding the allegations. Meanwhile, the former interpreter awaits his initial court appearance in Los Angeles, facing a potential 30-year sentence if convicted.
The betrayal came to light after Mizuhara was dismissed by the Dodgers and subsequently confessed to Ohtani about misusing his account. This case has emerged from a larger investigation into illegal sports gambling operations by U.S. authorities, spotlighting the darker side of sports and the vulnerability of athletes to financial crimes.
