Shohei Ohtani’s ex-interpreter impersonated Dodgers star to push through 6-figure wire transfer, audio reveals
Former Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani’s world was turned upside down when his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, was caught attempting to push through a six-figure wire transfer from one of Ohtani’s accounts by impersonating him. A four-minute audio recording obtained by federal prosecutors was a key piece of evidence in Mizuhara’s case, showcasing his fraudulent actions.
Mizuhara, who had been Ohtani’s close friend for years, pleaded guilty to bank fraud and filing a false tax return after stealing almost $17 million from the baseball superstar. The recording, obtained from a bank, revealed Mizuhara pretending to be Ohtani and arranging wire transfers by changing account information to his own email and phone number.
In the recording, Mizuhara confidently states his name as Ohtani, bypassing security measures and successfully changing account details to carry out the fraudulent transfer. Despite the bank agent’s attempts to verify the transaction due to recent fraud trends, Mizuhara manages to manipulate the situation to his advantage.
After pleading guilty, Mizuhara admitted to stealing from Ohtani to cover a major gambling debt. It was revealed that Mizuhara had placed around 19,000 bets online through his bookie, totaling over $142 million in winnings. However, his losing bets amounted to $183 million, leading to a debt of $40.7 million.
Prosecutors recommended a nearly five-year sentence for Mizuhara and sought restitution of nearly $17 million for Ohtani, though it was noted that Mizuhara was unable to repay the full amount. An additional $1.1 million in restitution was also sought by the IRS.
Ohtani expressed shock and sadness over the betrayal by someone he had trusted for so long. The court filing highlighted Mizuhara’s calculated betrayal and years-long theft of funds from Ohtani, painting a picture of deception and manipulation.
The case shed light on the darker side of sports betting and the risks involved in trusting others with financial matters. Ohtani’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for athletes and individuals alike, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and due diligence in financial transactions and relationships.
As Mizuhara awaits sentencing, Ohtani continues to recover from the shock and betrayal, reflecting on the impact of the incident on his life and career. The audio recording and court filing serve as reminders of the consequences of deceit and the importance of honesty and integrity in all dealings.
