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Former interpreter of Japanese baseballer Shohei Ohtani accused of stealing over $16m to cover gambling debts

Published: 12 April 2024 at 00:17

Baseball

Former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara is charged with bank fraud for allegedly stealing funds from Shohei Ohtani's account to cover gambling debts for two years. The money was sent to an illegal sports gambling operation, but there is no evidence of bets on baseball games. Ohtani, not accused of wrongdoing, expressed feeling betrayed by Mizuhara, a close friend. Mizuhara impersonated Ohtani to deceive bank employees into authorizing wire transfers. Mizuhara's gambling losses led to the theft, as revealed in messages to a bookmaker. The incident has shocked Ohtani, who met Mizuhara in 2013 for banking assistance upon arriving in the US in 2018.

DEEP DIVE


Former interpreter of MLB star Shohei Ohtani, Ippei Mizuhara, expected to plead guilty to fraud for stealing money to pay off gambling debts


Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter of MLB star Shohei Ohtani, is reportedly expected to plead guilty to fraud for allegedly stealing $4.5 million from Ohtani to settle gambling debts. Mizuhara is believed to have disabled notifications on Ohtani's bank account to conceal the transactions. Despite speculation suggesting Ohtani was involved in gambling, he denied ever betting on sports. The funds were transferred in Ohtani's name to an illegal bookmaker. Ohtani expressed shock and betrayal upon learning about Mizuhara's actions during the team's visit to South Korea for a game against the San Diego Padres.

Scandal Involving Shohei Ohtani's Former Interpreter Takes a Strange Turn


Shohei Ohtani's longtime interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, was accused of stealing $4.5 million to cover illegal gambling debts, resulting in his firing and an MLB investigation. Mizuhara's background, including his education and past baseball experience, is now under scrutiny with discrepancies in his reported history. Ohtani's former teammates express shock at the situation, as MLB examines the allegations surrounding Mizuhara and Ohtani's financial transactions. Ohtani's attorneys claim he was a victim of theft amidst the ongoing scandal, which has affected the Dodgers star's reputation and raised questions about vetting processes in baseball teams.

Inconsistencies in Shohei Ohtani's Interpreter's Gambling Problem Story


Shohei Ohtani's interpreter initially claimed Ohtani agreed to pay his $4.5 million gambling debts but later Ohtani's lawyers stated he was a victim of massive theft, raising questions about financial relationship. The friendship between Ohtani and Ippei Mizuhara has led to speculation on easy access to financial accounts, with authorities potentially needed to uncover the truth.

Shohei Ohtani's Interpreter Under Criminal Investigation for Alleged Financial Misconduct


Shohei Ohtani's interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, is under criminal investigation by the IRS for alleged involvement in illegal sports betting debts and theft of $4.5 million from the baseball superstar, leading to conflicting explanations and ongoing doubts surrounding the case.

MLB Gambling Scandal Involving Shohei Ohtani and Interpreter Ippei Mizuhara Unfolds


A gambling scandal in Major League Baseball (MLB) involving interpreter Ippei Mizuhara and superstar Shohei Ohtani has emerged, with Mizuhara allegedly receiving $4.5 million from Ohtani's accounts to cover gambling debts. Initially, Mizuhara claimed the money was to cover his debts, but Ohtani later stated he was a victim of theft, denying knowingly covering the debts. The situation has escalated into a high-profile investigation, with conflicting claims and a twist where Ohtani and Mizuhara deny any prior knowledge of the gambling activities.

Interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers Superstar Shohei Ohtani Accused of Massive Theft


Shohei Ohtani's longtime interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, has been fired for allegedly stealing millions of dollars linked to a gambling scandal. Ohtani's legal team reported the theft to authorities. Mizuhara worked with Ohtani from 2013 to 2017 before joining him in Los Angeles. Ohtani, a two-time American League MVP, signed a $700 million deal with the Dodgers. The incident unfolded during the MLB season opener in Seoul, South Korea. The case is under investigation by the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

Shohei Ohtani to Address Media About Gambling Scandal Involving Ex-Interpreter


Los Angeles Dodgers' star Shohei Ohtani will speak to the media for the first time regarding a gambling scandal with his ex-interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara. The scandal involves alleged theft of Ohtani's money to pay debts, leading to Mizuhara's firing by the Dodgers. Ohtani plans to provide clarity on the situation, supported by manager Dave Roberts, amidst doubts on the timeline of events. The incident occurred during the team's trip to South Korea, and Ohtani's statement aims to bring transparency to the matter.

Shohei Ohtani's Debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Ongoing Investigation into His Interpreter's Gambling Scandal


Shohei Ohtani impressed in his debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers, helping them secure a 7-1 win over the St. Louis Cardinals. However, the more intriguing aspect of Ohtani's story revolves around his interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, and his sports gambling addiction. Ohtani revealed that Mizuhara had stolen money from his account to pay off debts to an alleged illegal bookie. The investigation, including questions about bank account access and unnoticed wire transfers, is ongoing under MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred's oversight.

Shohei Ohtani's Performance at Dodger Stadium and Legal Issues with Former Interpreter


Shohei Ohtani had a mixed performance at Dodger Stadium, with a baserunning blunder in his first at-bat but later going 2-for-3 with a run scored in a 7-1 win for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Cardinals. His former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, is accused of massive theft and involvement in gambling, leading to an ongoing legal investigation. Ohtani denied any involvement in gambling activities and expressed shock at Mizuhara's actions.

Sports-betting Scandal Involving Los Angeles Dodgers Superstar Shohei Ohtani and Bookies in Florida


In 2019, Florida sheriffs intercepted packages sent by suspected bookies, including Mathew Bowyer, containing over $200,000 in cash, linked to underground gambling and the Colombo crime family's South Florida Crew. Recently, a sports-betting scandal emerged involving Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, who reportedly wired millions to Bowyer allegedly to pay off gambling debts, leading to the firing of Ohtani's interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara.

Shohei Ohtani Hires Powerful Hollywood Law Firm Amidst Allegations Against His Interpreter


Shohei Ohtani, after accusing his longtime interpreter of theft and dishonesty, has hired the Berk Brettler LLP law firm to handle the situation, which was founded by high-profile attorneys Andrew Brettler and Blair Berk. The firm has worked with notable figures in entertainment and sports, including Prince Andrew, Russell Brand, and Leonardo DiCaprio. Ohtani's interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, was fired by the Dodgers amidst the scandal, and Ohtani has denied any wrongdoing, stating that he was a victim of theft.

Dodgers manager optimistic about Ohtani's connection with teammates despite scandal with former interpreter


Dodgers manager Dave Roberts remains positive about baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani's relationship with his new teammates despite the scandal involving his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, who allegedly stole millions to cover gambling debts. Ohtani, who denies any involvement in the alleged theft, has a new interpreter, Will Ireton, and has been more engaged with teammates recently. Mizuhara played a significant role in Ohtani's life in the United States, not just as an interpreter but also as a personal assistant and confidant.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred addresses investigation into Shohei Ohtani's gambling scandal with former Dodgers interpreter Ippei Mizuhara


MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred hopes for a swift investigation into the allegations that former Los Angeles Dodgers interpreter Ippei Mizuhara stole $4.5 million from player Shohei Ohtani to cover gambling debts. Ohtani denies involvement in sports betting and claims ignorance of Mizuhara's actions. Both MLB and the IRS are conducting separate investigations, with Mizuhara and an alleged illegal bookmaker under criminal investigation. Manfred hopes for a short investigation but acknowledges uncertainty. He defends MLB's partnerships with legal gambling companies and discusses revenue challenges from regional sports networks affecting player contracts.

Ippei Mizuhara (Wikipedia)


Ippei Mizuhara (水原一平, Mizuhara Ippei, born December 31, 1984) is a Japanese interpreter employed by the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball (MLB). Mizuhara is most well-known for serving as the interpreter for Dodgers player Shohei Ohtani, translating Japanese to English and vice versa for Ohtani's media appearances and teammate interactions. He previously worked for the Boston Red Sox as an interpreter for Hideki Okajima and for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) as an interpreter for several of the team's Anglophone players. Mizuhara has gained popularity among baseball fans for his close association with Ohtani. He frequently aids Ohtani in non-interpreting contexts, such as catching his bullpen sessions or playing catch with him during pregame warmups. During the 2021 MLB Home Run Derby, Mizuhara served as Ohtani's catcher.

Dodgers fan pressured to hand back Shohei Ohtani's first home-run ball


A lifelong LA Dodgers fan, Ambar Roman, was pressured to hand back Shohei Ohtani's first home-run ball to him after catching it during a game against the San Francisco Giants. The ball was hit at 105.6mph and landed 430 feet away in the crowd, valued at $100,000. Dodgers security staff urged Roman and her husband to return the ball, despite promises of rewards. Ohtani, a $700 million recruit, is a significant star in baseball after signing with the Dodgers.

Los Angeles Dodgers fan pressured to hand over Shohei Ohtani's first home-run ball invited back for special on-field experience


After catching Shohei Ohtani's first home-run ball, Dodgers fan Ambar Roman was pressured by team officials to hand it over in exchange for $5,000 worth of memorabilia. The Dodgers have now invited Roman and her husband back for an on-field experience to make amends, following backlash over the initial exchange.

Shohei Ohtani (Wikipedia)


Shohei Ohtani (大谷 翔平, Ōtani Shōhei, born July 5, 1994), nicknamed "Shotime", is a Japanese professional baseball pitcher and designated hitter for the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Los Angeles Angels and the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). Because of his elite contributions both as a hitter and as a pitcher, a rarity for two-way players, Ohtani's peak is widely considered among the greatest in baseball history, with some comparing it favorably to the early career of Babe Ruth.Considered early on as an elite two-way player, Ohtani was the first pick of the Fighters in the 2012 draft. He played in NPB for the Fighters from 2013 through 2017 as a pitcher and an outfielder, and won the 2016 Japan Series with them. The Fighters posted Ohtani to MLB after the 2017 season, and he signed with the Angels, soon winning the 2018 American League (AL) Rookie of the Year Award.Following an injury-plagued 2019 and 2020, Ohtani had a 2021 season widely considered to be historic, as he became the first in the history of MLB with 10+ home runs and 20+ stolen bases as a hitter and 100+ strikeouts and 10+ pitching appearances as a pitcher in the same season, while also holding at least a share of the major league lead in home runs in 14 starts. For his efforts, he was awarded the 2021 American League Most Valuable Player Award. He followed this in 2022 by becoming the first player in the modern era to qualify for both the hitting and pitching leaderboards in one season, reaching the thresholds of 3.1 plate appearances and one inning pitched per game with 586 at-bats and 166 innings pitched.Ohtani completed yet another historic campaign in 2023, becoming the first player in MLB history with 10 wins and 40 home runs in a season, the first Japanese-born player to win a major league home run title, leading the American League with 44 home runs, the first player in MLB history to win MVP by unanimous vote twice and the first Japanese player to have the most popular Major League Baseball jersey sales. After the 2023 season, Ohtani signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers, the largest contract in professional sports history.Internationally, Ohtani represented Japan in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, winning the MVP Award for the tournament following Japan's victory over the USA. The final game was one of the most-watched baseball games in history, culminating with Ohtani striking out Angels teammate and USA captain Mike Trout on a full count, securing a 3–2 win and Japan's third title.

Los Angeles Dodgers Players Aim for Japanese Stardom


With the addition of Japanese players Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto to the Los Angeles Dodgers roster, teammates see an opportunity to gain popularity in Japan. Shohei Ohtani's marriage announcement caused a frenzy in Japan, leading to increased interest in the Dodgers. Players like James Outman and Brusdar Graterol are seen as potential candidates to capture the attention of the Japanese fan base through their personalities and performances.

Momoko Ohtani (Wikipedia)


Momoko Ohtani (大谷 桃子, Ōtani Momoko, born August 24, 1995) is a Japanese wheelchair tennis player. Ohtani has been active in international competitions since 2016.

Former interpreter of Japanese baseballer Shohei Ohtani accused of stealing over $16m to cover gambling debts Former interpreter of Japanese baseballer Shohei Ohtani accused of stealing over $16m to cover gambling debts Former interpreter of Japanese baseballer Shohei Ohtani accused of stealing over $16m to cover gambling debts Former interpreter of Japanese baseballer Shohei Ohtani accused of stealing over $16m to cover gambling debts

SOURCES

Sports Illustrated

Cloud Over Shohei Ohtani Could Clear in Former Interpreter’s Betting Scandal

Sports Illustrated

Yahoo! News

Shohei Ohtani scandal: The 5 most surprising revelations of Ippei Mizuhara's criminal complaint

Yahoo! News

E! News

Dodgers Star Shohei Ohtani's Former Interpreter Facing Fraud Charges After Allegedly Stealing $16 Million - E! Online

E! News

Fox News

Feds Charge Ippei Mizuhara For Stealing $16M From Shohei Ohtani

Fox News

Sky News

Japanese interpreter charged with stealing more than $16m from baseball star Shohei Ohtani

Sky News

Yahoo! News

Shohei Ohtani interpreter scandal: Piecing together the timeline with Ippei Mizuhara facing federal charge

Yahoo! News

The Huffington Post

Shohei Ohtani's Translator Accused Of Stealing Over $16 Million From Baseball Star's Account

The Huffington Post

Daily Mail

Shohei Ohtani nearly approached by translator's illegal bookmaker

Eric Blum

Fox News

Illegal Bookie Threatened To Confront Shohei Ohtani As Ippei Mizuhara Ducked Calls

Fox News

PANORA

Former interpreter of MLB star Shohei Ohtani, Ippei Mizuhara, expected to plead guilty to fraud for stealing money to pay off gambling debts

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Scandal Involving Shohei Ohtani's Former Interpreter Takes a Strange Turn

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Inconsistencies in Shohei Ohtani's Interpreter's Gambling Problem Story

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Shohei Ohtani's Interpreter Under Criminal Investigation for Alleged Financial Misconduct

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MLB Gambling Scandal Involving Shohei Ohtani and Interpreter Ippei Mizuhara Unfolds

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Interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers Superstar Shohei Ohtani Accused of Massive Theft

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Shohei Ohtani to Address Media About Gambling Scandal Involving Ex-Interpreter

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Shohei Ohtani's Debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Ongoing Investigation into His Interpreter's Gambling Scandal

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Shohei Ohtani's Performance at Dodger Stadium and Legal Issues with Former Interpreter

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Sports-betting Scandal Involving Los Angeles Dodgers Superstar Shohei Ohtani and Bookies in Florida

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Shohei Ohtani Hires Powerful Hollywood Law Firm Amidst Allegations Against His Interpreter

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Dodgers manager optimistic about Ohtani's connection with teammates despite scandal with former interpreter

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MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred addresses investigation into Shohei Ohtani's gambling scandal with former Dodgers interpreter Ippei Mizuhara

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Wikipedia

Ippei Mizuhara

Wikipedia

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Dodgers fan pressured to hand back Shohei Ohtani's first home-run ball

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Los Angeles Dodgers fan pressured to hand over Shohei Ohtani's first home-run ball invited back for special on-field experience

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Wikipedia

Shohei Ohtani

Wikipedia

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Los Angeles Dodgers Players Aim for Japanese Stardom

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Wikipedia

Momoko Ohtani

Wikipedia