Shohei Ohtani’s ex-interpreter charged with stealing $16M from baseball star in sports betting case

Ippei Mizuhara, a longtime interpreter for Japanese Major League Baseball (MLB) star Shohei Ohtani, was charged with federal bank fraud by the United States Attorney's Office for the Central District of California on April 11, 2023. According to the criminal complaint unsealed on that day, Mizuhara is accused of defrauding Ohtani out of over $16 million to cover his gambling debts and other personal expenses.

Mizuhara, 42, had been working as Ohtani's interpreter since the pitcher and hitter joined the Los Angeles Angels in 2018, following his successful tenure with the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) team, the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters. The interpreter's role involved facilitating communication between Ohtani and the Angels' organization, media, and fans, as well as helping the player navigate the complexities of life in the United States.

The criminal complaint alleges that Mizuhara began defrauding Ohtani in 2020, using the player's bank account to make unauthorized transfers totaling over $16 million to various accounts, including those of gambling websites and other individuals. The fraudulent transactions continued until March 2023, when the Angels' management became suspicious and alerted federal authorities.

The U.S. Attorney's Office stated that Mizuhara had used the stolen funds to pay for personal expenses, including gambling debts, luxury cars, and travel, as well as to support his own business ventures and those of his family members. The complaint also alleges that Mizuhara had forged Ohtani's signature on checks and other documents to facilitate the unauthorized transfers.

Mizuhara was arrested on April 11, 2023, and is expected to make his initial appearance in federal court later that day. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison for each count of bank fraud.

The Angels organization released a statement expressing their concern for Ohtani's wellbeing and offering their full support to the player and his family during this difficult time. The team also stated that they were cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation and would provide further updates as appropriate.

The news of Mizuhara's arrest came as a shock to the baseball community, particularly to Ohtani's fans and supporters, who had grown accustomed to seeing the interpreter by his side during press conferences and other public appearances. The Angels' management and players expressed their disappointment and disbelief at the allegations, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability within the organization.

The incident serves as a reminder of the potential risks and challenges that professional athletes, particularly those new to the United States, may face when dealing with individuals in positions of trust and authority. It also highlights the importance of maintaining open lines of communication and vigilance when it comes to managing personal finances and business affairs.

As the investigation into Mizuhara's alleged fraud continues, the baseball world awaits the outcome of this unfortunate situation and the potential impact it may have on the career and personal life of one of its most promising young stars.