Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, stands accused of bank fraud. Prosecutors claim that he siphoned a shocking $16 million from Ohtani’s account. And all this was to feed a gambling addiction. Let’s just say, if convicted, Mizuhara would face up to 30 years locked up. A harsh price to pay for creating a web of lies and a shattering trust at such a large scale

The indictment narrates a disturbing story of Mizuhara’s alleged plans. Having served as Ohtani’s interpreter since 2018, Mizuhara was the recipient of the two-way phenom’s trust and familiarity. Prosecutors have stated that he leveraged this opportunity to gain access to Ohtani’s bank account. The one used for depositing his baseball salary. The seeds of this fiasco were planted in late 2021 and guess what? This was coinciding with the reported start of his gambling problem.

A calculated deception: phone calls, fake identities, and a double life

The case opens up an intricate maze of deceit. Mizuhara reportedly changed Ohtani’s bank account contact information to his own phone number and email and cut off Ohtani’s financial advisors. He even went to the extent of claiming that Ohtani preferred privacy. As a result, the baseball star was further isolated from oversight. The complaint further alleges that Mizuhara impersonated Ohtani over the phone with the bank, providing personal details to authorize large transfers to his bookmaker.

On one hand, this was sheer deception. On the other, Mizuhara used aliases to purchase over $300,000 worth of baseball cards online. There were reports that these cards were then delivered to the Dodgers clubhouse for Mizuhara to pick up. Mind you, this too was under assumed names. With that, this alleged double life added another layer to the pigmented late of Mizuhara. 

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Amid rumors that Ohtani could be an accomplice in this crime, federal authorities have been emphatic that Ohtani is nothing but a victim in this case. No evidence against Ohtani has been found. Maybe the Unicorn is innocent. But clearly, Mizuhara is in quicksand. The punishment for this could be grave and might even mark the end of the 39-year-old’s career.

Consequences Lined Up For Ippei Mizuhara 

Recent reports have revealed that Mizuhara is will be surrendering to authorities and will have a bond hearing soon. If the verdict finds him guilty the former confidant of Ohtani could end up behind the bars for 30 years. That’s a significant portion of one’s life.

The red flags started to show up as the Los Angeles Dodgers, fired Mizuhara. This is perhaps one among many other consequences that will follow. Major League Baseball is also in the midst of an investigation to determine whether further action is required. Only time will tell what lies in Mizuhara’s fate. 

Shohei Ohtani Remains Silent on Ippei Mizuhara Situation, Despite His Former Interpreter’s Rumoured Guilty Plea