Shohei Ohtani‘s chapter with his interpreter took a shocking turn early this year. It all started when Ippei Mizuhara was accused of stealing a staggering $16 million to feed a gambling addiction. However, where does the trail of this missing money end? Well, a new layer has been revealed that shows a web of alleged money laundering. 

If you are wondering where the money went; it is to Las Vegas casinos. According to sources with inside knowledge, the money Mizuhara allegedly embezzled was funneled through an elaborate scheme. This plot involved a California bookmaker named Mathew Bowyer. But here’s where things got interesting: Bowyer has been a frequent visitor to the luxurious Resorts World Las Vegas and carries the reputation of a “whale.”

The Shohei Ohtani – Ippei Mizuhara – Mathew Bowyer triangle

Here’s how the money laundering scheme played out. Mizuhara reportedly made a series of $500,000 payments from Ohtani’s bank account to Bowyer’s illegal bookmaking operation. The bookie then allegedly used an associate to forward the money to “marker” accounts at Resorts World. This was not the only casino on his list. Another Southern California casino, Pechanga Resort Casino, was in the mix too.

These marker accounts primarily functioned as lines of credit funded by the alleged stolen money. Bowyer and his associate would then go on to withdraw chips from these accounts and gamble with them. It was simple, if they won, they kept the money and if they lost, they used the stolen funds to cover their debts.

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While Bowyer is no stranger to the world of high-stakes gambling, he enjoyed a lavish lifestyle receiving VIP treatment at the casino. A tidbit came to light – Bowyer had been previously banned from other Vegas casinos as there was suspicion about how he managed to secure such a high-roller status at Resorts World. 

Uncharged bookmaker raises red flags for casino

A deeper investigation into Bowyer’s operation casts a shadow on Resorts World. While the federal authorities are reportedly looking into the matter, it is still unclear whether the casino followed proper anti-money laundering protocols or not. Resorts World denies any wrongdoing, however, the fact that a known bookmaker was allegedly able to launder millions of dollars through marker accounts is questionable.

Presently, Bowyer has not been charged in connection with the Ohtani case. Nevertheless, the investigation sheds light on the large-scale financial networks that can facilitate such motives. While Shohei Ohtani has been exonerated, the story about where the millions went, remains far from over. Federal investigations are underway and the full extent of the alleged money laundering will be revealed soon.