The Los Angeles Dodgers fired Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, due to allegations of embezzlement involving millions of dollars to cover gambling debts. Ohtani’s representation quickly requested a legal investigation into the scheme, and MLB also opened its own investigation. Ohtani has reportedly been interviewed by federal authorities as part of the investigation, stating that he has never bet on baseball or any other sports. The probe is being led by the Los Angeles branch of the Internal Revenue Service’s criminal division, the Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. attorney’s office for the Central District of California. Mizuhara will be represented by Michael Freedman, a former federal prosecutor who regularly defends white-collar criminals.
Prosecutors have reportedly secured evidence that Mizuhara may have stolen more than the previously cited $4.5 million from Ohtani. Additionally, it was discovered that Mizuhara changed Ohtani’s bank account settings to prevent him from receiving alerts about transactions. The initial allegations against Mizuhara surfaced while the Dodgers were in Seoul, South Korea, for a season-opening series. Law enforcement officials confronted Mizuhara upon his return to California, but he was not arrested. With the story from Ohtani’s camp changing twice, Mizuhara’s guilty plea could help clarify the confusing timeline. A swift admission of guilt may also help Mizuhara receive a more lenient punishment from federal prosecutors and judges.
Ohtani’s representatives were quick to request legal action against Mizuhara after allegations of theft surfaced. MLB opened its own investigation, and federal authorities have been conducting interviews as part of the probe. The case is a joint effort led by the Internal Revenue Service’s criminal division, the Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. attorney’s office for the Central District of California. Mizuhara will be represented by Michael Freedman in the case, who is known for defending white-collar criminals. Prosecutors have found evidence suggesting that Mizuhara may have embezzled more than the previously reported $4.5 million from Ohtani. Mizuhara is accused of changing Ohtani’s bank account settings to hide transactions from the two-way star.
The allegations against Mizuhara came to light while the Dodgers were in Seoul, South Korea, for a series against the San Diego Padres. Law enforcement officials confronted Mizuhara upon his return to California, but he was not immediately arrested. Mizuhara’s guilty plea could potentially clarify the timeline of events and provide insight into the extent of the theft from Ohtani. A swift admission of guilt may also help Mizuhara receive a more favorable outcome from federal prosecutors and judges. The case is ongoing, and further details may emerge as the investigation continues.
