Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, is facing federal charges for bank fraud after allegedly stealing more than $16 million from Ohtani to cover his gambling debts. Mizuhara, who had a close professional relationship with Ohtani since the latter moved to the MLB, reportedly manipulated Ohtani's bank accounts to finance his gambling habit, which included placing 19,000 bets and accruing over $40 million in losses. The case, brought forward by the US Justice Department, has revealed that Mizuhara impersonated Ohtani to authorize wire transfers and admitted to bookmakers and through text messages that he was stealing from Ohtani. Mizuhara is expected to plead guilty as part of a negotiation with federal authorities and has surrendered to law enforcement, with a court appearance scheduled where he was released on a $25,000 bond and ordered to undergo gambling addiction treatment. This development comes as a shock to the sports world, highlighting a significant breach of trust within the professional circle of one of baseball's biggest stars.
The former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani surrendered to federal authorities after allegedly stealing $16 million for his gambling debts https://t.co/3BisMlKGsH
The former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani surrendered to federal authorities Friday after allegedly wiring more than $16 million in unauthorized transfers for his gambling debts, ESPN reported: https://t.co/QioGttHl4f
Shohei Ohtani's ex-interpreter Ippei Mizuhara released on bond after turning himself in to feds https://t.co/8DZvMTqD6Y
Judge Orders Shohei Ohtani's Ex-Interpreter To Get Gambling Addiction Treatment https://t.co/htnYzged0P
Ippei Mizuhara made his first court appearance Friday afternoon in downtown Los Angeles, facing federal charges of bank fraud and was released on $25 thousand bond. https://t.co/HDwpS1W3hK
Shohei Ohtani's ex-interpreter surrenders to authorities, to appear in court on bank fraud charge https://t.co/weK1nv1X3D https://t.co/DmE1fjcmGS
The former interpreter for LA Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani who faces federal charges for allegedly stealing millions from MLB's highest-paid player was ordered to attend gambling addiction counseling and released on bond following his court appearance. https://t.co/9xm5aKOikc
A federal judge on Friday ordered the former longtime interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani to undergo gambling addiction treatment https://t.co/4PHJWjcPUG
Ohtani's ex-interpreter makes court appearance over theft charge https://t.co/zZWIoMiwxM
Ohtani's ex-interpreter released on $25,000 bond after court appearance https://t.co/AP6PMtzh4m
One day after Shohei Ohtani's ex-interpreter was charged with bank fraud for stealing $16 million from the Japanese baseball star, he was released on $25,000 bond after making his first, brief Los Angeles court appearance. https://t.co/RrM31oeDO1
According to a statement from his lawyer, Ippei Mizuhara "wishes to apologize to Mr. Ohtani, the Dodgers, Major League Baseball, and his family." Also says Mizuhara is "hopeful that he can reach an agreement with the government to resolve this case as quickly as possible" https://t.co/Zvzdtucy25
Shohei Ohtani's ex-interpreter placed a staggering number of bets using money stolen from one of the world's most popular and well-paid athletes to support a "voracious appetite" for sport betting, according to federal prosecutor https://t.co/LjFqYv7uMb
Shohei Ohtani's ex-interpreter placed a staggering number of bets using money stolen from a long-time friend and one of the world's most popular and well-paid athletes to support a "voracious appetite" for sports betting, according to federal prosecutors. https://t.co/MvmCQH1ciz
One day after Shohei Ohtani's ex-interpreter was charged with bank fraud for stealing $16 million from the Japanese baseball star, he was released on $25 thousand bond. He made his first court appearance Friday. https://t.co/fdr8xuIvpg
Ippei Mizuhara, Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter, is in federal custody after surrendering to law enforcement Friday. He later appeared in U.S. District Court and had his bond set at $25,000. An arraignment is scheduled for May 9. https://t.co/9iJoqenmbQ
Shohei Ohtani’s ex-interpreter Ippei Mizuhara had ‘textbook gambling addiction’: Craig Carton https://t.co/tpxi6de87H https://t.co/H2btzgFvb9
Text messages between Ippei Mizuhara and a bookie show the former interpreter falling deeper into debt as, according to federal prosecutors, he stole from Shohei Ohtani to cover his losses. https://t.co/ZWVWKM6wMw
Judge in sports betting case orders ex-interpreter for Ohtani to get gambling addiction treatment. https://t.co/awbY6ORrhp Click the image to read more:
Court Documents Reveal Shocking New Details In Ohtani Translator Criminal Complaint https://t.co/61fehv77Gm
NEWS: Ippei Mizuhara appeared in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles on Friday and surrendered to authorities. He was released on a $25,000 bond and will return to court for the next hearing on May 9. https://t.co/rCuiCjmZ9E
Judge in sports betting case orders ex-interpreter for Ohtani to get gambling addiction treatment https://t.co/BVpPVQvqox
Ippei Mizuhara appeared in court today with shackles around his ankles, per @SamBlum3 He's released on a $25k bond with conditions that include: cannot leave Central District of CA without permission, cannot contact Shohei Ohtani and a mandatory gamblers addiction program https://t.co/Br8hFC8xI6
Ippei Mizuhara appeared in court with shackles around ankles, that were later taken off. He is released on $25K bond, along with numerous conditions. He cannot leave central district of CA without permission. Cannot contact Ohtani. Has to do a gamblers addiction program, etc.
Ippei Mizuhara surrendered to authorities less than 24 hours after he was hit with a bank fraud charge. More details 👉 https://t.co/ex5aupVsnq
In this week's Off The Bench, Shohei Ohtani looks to get off the hook on sports-betting allegations while his former interpreter faces charges. https://t.co/v6XU355jWU
Ippei Mizuhara has surrendered to federal authorities on his bank fraud charges More from @laura_nelson and @brittny_mejia https://t.co/PhzhYgjK58
#BREAKING: Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter of Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, turned himself into federal authorities and is expected in court Friday afternoon. https://t.co/LOoYd0Gf03 https://t.co/qSVrPXwcYA
The former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani surrendered to federal authorities Friday after allegedly wiring more than $16 million in unauthorized transfers for his gambling debts, ESPN reported. https://t.co/rmRLHADwCr
LIVE: Outside LA courthouse where Shohei Ohtani's ex-interpreter expected to hand himself in 👋E-pay Mizufraudlia https://t.co/jxhxDEPyDI via @YouTube
Baseball star Ohtani's ex-interpreter to make first court appearance https://t.co/ON21y0yj9U https://t.co/IAy6oCDP8w
.@Ken_Rosenthal discusses the details of the Ippei Mizuhara criminal case: According to the complaint, Mizuhara had access to the account where Shohei Ohtani's baseball paychecks were being deposited, and at times he impersonated Ohtani in conversations with bank officials. ▶️… https://t.co/dqlMt7x09Y
#BREAKING: Shohei Ohtani's ex-interpreter surrenders to federal authorities one day after being charged with bank fraud https://t.co/u2QM3bfxu8
Ippei Mizuhara Surrenders To Feds After Bank Fraud Charge | Click to read more 👇 https://t.co/eYsPtmaZNu
JUST IN: The former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani has surrendered to federal authorities after allegedly stealing millions from MLB's highest-paid player in a gambling scheme, the Department of Justice said. https://t.co/tTaHFDBFqv
LA Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani's fired translator Ippei Mizuhara turns himself into law enforcement and prepares for court appearance after feds charged him with stealing $16m from MLB hero https://t.co/v3FZitVl18 https://t.co/9XUHAMVoSc
Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter bet as high as $160,000, court records say, with $12,800 being an average bet. Off those bets, Ippei Mizuhara was said to have won more than $142 million — but lost nearly $183 million, leaving him roughly $40 million in debt. https://t.co/jo1boFDKYT https://t.co/hJE0xihAJg
JUST IN: Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, has surrendered to law enforcement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office confirms. He is now in federal custody. https://t.co/tTaHFDBFqv https://t.co/FxsLWKf2HA
The former interpreter for Japanese baseball star Shohei Ohtani is expected to make his first appearance in federal court on allegations that he stole $16 million from the Los Angeles Dodgers' star https://t.co/lAlPO91rE3 https://t.co/ziCaqZ26q0
Ippei Mizuhara surrendered to law enforcement today and is in federal custody. He will appear in LA court at 1:00 PM PT and the expectation is that he will be let out on bond, per @Alden_Gonzalez https://t.co/BEWUmLknC8
⚠️ BASEBALL STAR OHTANI'S EX-INTERPRETER TO MAKE FIRST COURT APPEARANCE Full Story → https://t.co/ORbHTw5lg2 The former interpreter for Japanese baseball star Shohei Ohtani is expected to make his first appearance in federal court on Friday on allegations that he stole $16…
Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter surrendered to law enforcement this morning and is in federal custody, U.S. attorney’s office says. Ippei Mizuhara’s initial appearance in court is scheduled for 1 p.m.
Ippei Mizuhara surrendered to law enforcement this morning and is in federal custody. He is scheduled to appear in L.A. court at 1 p.m. PT. The expectation, according to what I was told yesterday, is that he will be let out on bond at that point.
Ippei Mizuhara will reportedly surrender to federal authorities today. Does Shohei Ohtani need to reevaluate the people he employs? ▶️ https://t.co/JeoPraNZJs https://t.co/LargvaVbNV
🚨 OHTANI UPDATE 🚨 Turns out Ohtanis interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara wasn’t just a terrible gambler, he was also investing in “The Hobby”. From January 2024 to March 2024, Mizuhara also allegedly PURCHASED approximately 1,000 BASEBALL CARDS - at a cost of approximately $325,000!… https://t.co/DY4r8rGwRK
On Thursday, the Department of Justice filed a criminal complaint against Ippei Mizuhara, charging him with bank fraud. How did we get here? @Alex__Schiffer built a decade-long timeline of events that ultimately resulted in the Shohei saga ⬇️
The details of Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter’s gambling habit are stunning https://t.co/Gy4R5Dfy9z
Craig Carton: Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter’s texts display textbook gambling addiction https://t.co/ZBMwW9lYDI https://t.co/zlTEy00mxv
The federal bank fraud charge against Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter doubled as a de facto exoneration of Ohtani himself, as prosecutors built a detailed case that brings clarity to an explosive saga marked by confusion and shifting narratives. https://t.co/WVDyk6dLR3 https://t.co/o6VmnIVham
Shohei Ohtani's ex-interpreter to turn himself in today, appear in downtown LA court on federal bank fraud charge https://t.co/u2QM3bg5jG
He stole more than $16 million from Ohtani’s bank accounts to pay for his own sports betting and lied to the bank to access the account, the prosecutor said. https://t.co/R1HApw4vDQ
Mizuhara charged with bank fraud; criminal complaint filed https://t.co/0WjBEx19rx
Ohtani has $42M in MLB career earning but supposedly the translator stole money from his account with a net loss of $40M and we're supposed to believe Ohtani wasn't part of it? Sure. https://t.co/MMOOiuxP93
Shohei Ohtan’s interpreter made 19,000 illegal wagers and fell into debt by more than $40 million, feds reveal https://t.co/MswsuFZvmJ
Text messages — revealed in a 37-page federal criminal complaint filed on Thursday — between Ippei Mizuhara, Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter, and his bookmaker paint a picture of a gambler spiraling out of control. https://t.co/0YTExJZFDe
Lies, deceit and a mount of debt: A 37-page document details how Ippei Mizuhara supported his gambling addiction and allegedly wired millions of dollars of Shohei Ohtani's money to pay off a bookie. https://t.co/HA7vizwgHR
The US District Court says Japanese interpreter Ippei Mizuhara "used and abused" his unique position of trust "to plunder" the bank account of Shohei Ohtani, the world's highest-paid pro baseball player. https://t.co/m2wAN76Ljq
Article + thread by @nathanfenno detailing federal changes against Ohtani’s interpreter for allegedly embezzling $16m. Confirms my initial hunches: Ohtani had no knowledge of gambling & money transfers, crypto involved. Big question: How financial institutions miss red flags? https://t.co/dRR7cbBqIg
Federal affidavit contains allegations suggesting bookmaker was dropping hints of potential threats against Ippei Mizuhara, Shohei Ohtani. https://t.co/r17JRWR0cg
#ShoheiOhtani's former interpreter #IppeiMizuhara has just been charged with a felony. See more 👉 https://t.co/GdaKhHPaq2 https://t.co/wgDhhd0NAH
Prosecutors say Ohtani’s interpreter stole $16 million from star | via @nytimes https://t.co/l2i8ET0YkC
Ippei Mizuhara charged with bank fraud & stealing over $16 million from Shohei Ohtani - By: @ChadMoriyama https://t.co/NDW6cIoD74
Authorities have released a document detailing their investigation into Ohtani’s former translator, who has been charged with bank fraud after prosecutors say he stole $16 million to pay gambling debts. @clairemcnear: https://t.co/0MWvFpaO7q
A 36-page affidavit has been filed against Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter. Ippei Mizuhara is accused of stealing more than $16 million from Ohtani. Careful review of the affidavit raises a few questions. https://t.co/FYhNgidrOr
Estrada says Mizuhara was able to “use and abuse” his position of trust with Ohtani “in order to plunder Mr. Ohtani’s bank account. https://t.co/SilaPFH867
The criminal complaint against Ippei Mizuhara, the ex-interpreter for Shohei Ohtani, is very sad. It paints the picture of a naïve young man with a gambling addiction, and a bookmaker eager to take advantage. It also shows the opportunity the regulated market has to curtail…
Estrada says Mizuhara stole more than $16 million from Ohtani’s bank accounts to pay for his own sports betting and lied to the bank to access the account. https://t.co/SilaPFH867
No one noticed Shohei Ohtani's interpreter's massive gambling losses? @ClayTravis https://t.co/T1tblsG2li
Does anyone here actually believe that Ohtani didn't notice $16 million missing?? Or that anyone would let someone with $300k a year salary rack up $4.5M in debt? It doesn't add up.
Text messages reveal that as Ippei Mizuhara kept placing bets, losing, admitting he was “terrible,” he found a bookie willing to extend his credit, keep taking his bets - until he just couldn’t keep up. https://t.co/W7gcn3yANi
The Department of Justice says that Ippei Mizuhara used Shohei Ohtani's bank account to spend $325K on upwards of 1,000 baseball cards https://t.co/3T0VNfd9cz
Federal prosecutors announced Thursday afternoon that Ippei Mizuhara, Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter, is expected to self-surrender to authorities on Friday. https://t.co/B7WLWeJ7Bx
Estrada says Mizuhara helped Ohtani set up a bank account for Ohtani’s baseball salary. https://t.co/SilaPFH867
Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani's ex interpreter charged with stealing millions from player If Mizuhara is convicted, he could face a maximum of 30 years in prison. Read more ⬇️ https://t.co/UwrLwZX1Pq
Ippei Mizuhara has agreed to surrender to federal authorities tomorrow, according to a US Attorney spokesman. He's currently scheduled have a bond hearing tomorrow afternoon PST. He will not enter a plea, and an arraignment will likely be scheduled tomorrow for a future date.
I just read the federal complaint against Ippei Mizuhara and holy crap. It’s clearly obvious Ohtani has been robbed blind & is a complete victim in all of this at the hands of a rogue trusted friend who went down a deep, dark rabbit hole and needs help https://t.co/iHcWNJ3gE8
Indictment: Ohtani Translator Stole $16M in Two-Plus Years This is getting even more difficult to believe. https://t.co/snHmMNJCxZ
Ippei Mizuhara served as Ohtani’s interpreter after Ohtani came to the U.S. in 2018 to play baseball. Estrada says Mizhuara “acted as Mr. Ohtani’s de facto manager.” https://t.co/SilaPFH867
A timeline of Shohei Ohtani's ex-interpreter's spiraling gambling debts - via @pinepaula https://t.co/25dRqFj6Y2
The 8 wildest revelations from the criminal complaint against Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter https://t.co/qdmrk9Uo3T
Here is my rundown of all the INSANE things in the 37-page criminal complaint filed against Ippei Mizuhara today and why Shohei Ohtani needs to clean house immediately: https://t.co/IGM8AWUEqA https://t.co/kXp6UpeR2J
What's next for Shohei Ohtani and MLB after charges against Ippei Mizuhara? Also: Was Decoy in danger??? https://t.co/87n8PimoKU #dodgers
Shohei Ohtani’s ex-interpreter lost staggering $40 million across 19,000 bets: feds https://t.co/nbc9EI8K6e https://t.co/PyPRyWg5Cz
He's accused of stealing millions from Ohtani’s bank accounts to pay for his own sports betting. https://t.co/z39M8JLabd
DOJ gives update on investigation into Shohei Ohtani's interpreter https://t.co/K4tA0iJnqj
Shohei Ohtani's ex-interpreter bet an unthinkable amount of money to run up $40M debt, according to fed complaint https://t.co/IjZ0tGQ0j4 https://t.co/En5rrhuf0B
🧵 Details from the criminal complaint against Ippei Mizuhara, incld investigators interviews Shohei Ohtani & others Ahead of Ohtani's MLB move, it was Mizuhara who offered to be his MLB interpreter. Mizuhara was also “separately employed” by Ohtani, in addition to his MLB teams https://t.co/oLe0DYUrJj
Here are some key revelations in the 36-page criminal complaint filed by the US Justice Department against Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter of Shohei Ohtani. https://t.co/Y9D4pPcnQr
The Ippei Mizuhara investigation has revealed some wild findings. Per DOJ: 🔸Mizuhara stole over $16 million from Ohtani 🔸Placed 19,000 bets, including one of $160,000 🔸Lost over $40,000,000 on sports betting. https://t.co/UyXUI7fVmC
A wild "it’s all over for me" text from Shohei Ohtani's interpreter to a bookie was revealed in a criminal complaint https://t.co/heSiCfbKFa
The DoJ report says Ippei Mizuhara's bookie nearly confronted Shohei Ohtani when he was walking his dog, and Mizuhara was unable to make payments because he lost "a lot of money on crypto the last couple years." https://t.co/vqzKLdEdu9
"Ohtani provided his cell phone to law inforcement who determined that there was no evidence to suggest that Ohtani was aware" The details in the Ippei Mizuhara criminal complaint are wild #FTLive 🚓 ▶️ https://t.co/YlxSInE0B2 https://t.co/GCdZaRiMfX
"Ohtani provided his cell phone to law inforcement who determined that there was no evidence to suggest that Ohtani was aware" The details in the Ippei Mazuhara criminal complaint are wild #FTLive 🚓 ▶️ https://t.co/YlxSInE0B2 https://t.co/MfVDhOyw3x
"Mizuhara allegedly also telephoned the bank and falsely identified himself as Ohtani to trick bank employees into authorizing wire transfers from Ohtani’s bank account to associates of the illegal gambling operation." https://t.co/8Me3HfkkVn
What's more likely ... an interpreter stole $16 million from somebody else's bank account and nobody noticed, or Ohtani was gambling and needed a fall guy? https://t.co/aXBwLVRTZN
According to the complaint, Ippei called the bank impersonating Ohtani to access funds. https://t.co/cE51w1KTHX
Shohei Ohtani's interpreter charged with stealing more than $16M... @ColinCowherd reacts now https://t.co/LOBr6Ozp1A
Federal complaint says Ohtani's agent asked Mizuhara about the bank account in question "on multiple occasions." Mizuhara told the agent the account was 'private' and that Ohtani did not want anyone else to monitor that account.
From criminal complaint: "On March 20, 2024, MIZUHARA sent BOOKMAKER 1 an encrypted text message admitting that he (MIZUHARA) had stolen funds from Victim A." Ohtani is Victim A.
I still can't believe Ohtani's interpreter conducted a 90 minute interview with ESPN to explain things just weeks before he was charged with allegedly transferring $16 million from Ohtani's accounts.
#BREAKING: Federal prosecutors say Ippei Mizuhara took $16 million from Shohei Ohtani's bank account to gamble. Mizuhara is being charged with federal bank fraud. Live coverage: https://t.co/TiezXrBgoK https://t.co/VLBBOz63ff
“Mr. Ohtani is considered a victim in this case,” Estrada said. Said a review of years Ohtani and Mizuhara’s communications by a Japanese linguist revealed no discussion of bets or authorizing transfers. Said Mizuhara impersonated Ohtani with bank to authorize wire transfers.
Within texts reviewed by investigators, Ippei Mizuhara admitted to bookmakers he was stealing from Shohei Ohtani, per Martin Estrada.
#BREAKING Authorities announce criminal charges against former interpreter for Shohei Ohtani. Watch #live: https://t.co/qazZcZDlPZ
#BREAKING: Authorities are announcing charges against Shohei Ohtani's interpreter. Watch live: https://t.co/TiezXrBgoK https://t.co/xMkuwg4EqA
#BREAKING: Authorities are announcing charges in the case against Shohei Ohtani's interpreter. Watch live: https://t.co/TiezXrBgoK https://t.co/MtKwSncABk
Ippei Mizuhara has been officially charged with bank fraud https://t.co/3f4Q0TgTwW
Federal criminal complaint filed against Ippei Mizuhara. Mizuhara accused on bank fraud, alleged to have stolen more than $16 million, per U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada.
US Attorney Martin Estrada announces a federal criminal complaint against Ippei Mizuhara. The complaint alleges bank fraud, to finance “voracious appetite for illegal sports betting.” https://t.co/N8e9llSi3C
Ippei Mizuhara is reportedly negotiating a guilty plea for stealing money from Shohei Ohtani. -Wrapping Up Gambling Scandal -Jackson Holliday Debut -Naylor Brothers -Christian Yelich Back? -Jayhay’s Nug-Pack -Check In On Elly -Marlins Stink Listen Here: https://t.co/MnO0Ox8MJQ https://t.co/hNrIPzHm2c
"I think he trusted him, it's sad" Shohei Ohtani's former translater Ippei Mizuhara appears headed for a guilty plea ... #FTLive reacts ▶️ https://t.co/YlxSInE0B2 https://t.co/yKnExATP9P
Shohei Ohtani Is Reportedly Almost Out Of The Woods In Gambling Scandal, As Former Interpreter Is “In Negotiations” To Plead Guilty https://t.co/kH4vdC64FG https://t.co/kH4vdC64FG
Did Ippei Mizuhara change the settings on Shohei Ohtani's accounts so that he wouldn't receive notifications about bank transfers? @Ken_Rosenthal & @alannarizzo discuss the latest on the unfolding legal peril for Shohei Ohtani's former translator ▶️ https://t.co/1vg49HPOcM https://t.co/ZPRordNy1M
How Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter was allegedly able to steal millions without Dodgers star knowing https://t.co/xX81ShuOjk https://t.co/1hJgUvFqwn
prosecutors have uncovered evidence that Mizuhara may have stolen more money from Ohtani than the $4.5 million initially reported. Mizuhara changed the settings on Ohtani's bank account so Ohtani would not receive alerts or confirmations about transactions https://t.co/ekCXx9Ywvo
Ippei Mizuhara is facing federal charges and those with knowledge of the investigation say Ohtani’s claims of theft are accurate, per multiple reports. Mizuhara is in negotiations to plead guilty and the investigation will be ending soon. https://t.co/IhUeJW8zOF
What Ippei Mizuhara’s guilty plea negotiations could mean for Shohei Ohtani https://t.co/SbAAGqqo4t
Shohei Ohtani's ex-interpreter faces federal charges, source says -- via @pinepaula and @TJQuinnESPN https://t.co/KnOkdBEzQz
Shohei Ohtani’s translator reportedly discussing plea deal around alleged $4.5m theft https://t.co/JXM9MASg3F
The cloud over Shohei Ohtani could soon clear. Ippei Mizuhara is reportedly negotiating with federal authorities to plead guilty with charges related to the theft of at least $4.5M dollars to pay gambling debts. @ByMcCullough on what the news means ⤵️ https://t.co/pEWHPOF8jz