Alleged impersonations, $16M stolen as ex-Ohtani interpreter charged

Shohei Ohtani (R) of the Los Angeles Dodgers and his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara. Kyodo News

Alleged Shohei Ohtani impersonations, more than $16M stolen, other wild details emerge as ex-interpreter charged

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 4/12/24

Explosive new details have emerged surrounding two-time MVP Shohei Ohtani and his former longtime interpreter's gambling controversy.

Federal authorities announced in a Los Angeles court on Thursday that Ippei Mizuhara, Ohtani's ex-interpreter, had been charged with bank fraud. ESPN's Alden Gonzalez reported that "it was discovered [Mizuhara] transferred more than $16M" from the Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter's account to an "alleged illegal sports book."

Per Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic, bank fraud is a felony offense that can carry a "statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison."

US Attorney Martin Estrada: “The best do not appear to have been made on the sport of baseball.”

They were placed between 2021 and 2024. Ippei Mizuhara, according to Estrada, set up the account for Shohei Ohtani and didn't have access to Ohtani's reps or financial advisors.
— Alden González (@Alden_Gonzalez) April 11, 2024

Further reports include wild details from the case, including that Mizuhara allegedly impersonated Ohtani during discussions with a bank.

Mizuhara allegedly impersonated Ohtani in conversations with bank.
— Dylan Hernández (@dylanohernandez) April 11, 2024

When Mizuhara won bets, he allegedly had his winnings deposited into his own bank account, not Ohtani’s, Estrada said.
— Dylan Hernández (@dylanohernandez) April 11, 2024

The internet is a brilliant place.

Yes, yes. Ippei was a fall guy for Shohei Ohtani.

A fall guy that would falsely identify himself as *checks notes*… The guy he is supposedly taking the fall for…

Bravo everyone. You cracked the case! pic.twitter.com/XAUYqHwqSs
— Ben Verlander (@BenVerlander) April 11, 2024

In the wake of Thursday's news, MLB.com's Anthony Castrovince provided a breakdown of various things that $16M can buy.

Or this 1963 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder pic.twitter.com/T8e78N8AMe
— Anthony Castrovince (@castrovince) April 11, 2024

Tune in next time for another episode of “Goods and Services You Can Buy Instead of Absorbing Gambling Losses”
— Anthony Castrovince (@castrovince) April 11, 2024

The two-way sensation and three-time All-Star hasn't let the scandal impact his performance through the early portion of the 2024 season.

Ohtani enters Thursday leading MLB in doubles (eight), tied with teammate Mookie Betts for the league lead in total bases (40) and tied with another teammate, Will Smith, for second place in the NL in hits (21).

The Dodgers have raced out to a three-game lead in the NL West at 10-5, as every other team in the division is under .500.

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