Shohei Ohtani’s Ex-Interpreter Sentenced to Nearly Five Years for $17M Theft in Sports Betting Scandal
Santa Ana, California — Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter for baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani, has been sentenced to four years and nine months in federal prison for bank and tax fraud after stealing nearly $17 million from the Los Angeles Dodgers player’s bank account.
A Stunning Betrayal
Mizuhara, entrusted with bridging the gap between the Japanese athlete and his English-speaking teammates, exploited Ohtani’s trust, siphoning millions to fund a reckless gambling addiction. On Thursday, a federal court in Santa Ana ordered him to pay $18 million in restitution—with nearly $17 million going to Ohtani and the rest to the IRS.
He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release and must surrender to authorities by March 24.
Judge: ‘The Magnitude of the Theft is Shockingly High’
U.S. District Judge John W. Holcomb condemned the scale of the crime.
“Seventeen million dollars—most people don’t make that much in a lifetime.”
While expressing hope that Mizuhara could repay the stolen money, Holcomb admitted, “That remains to be seen.”
Mizuhara’s Apology and Desperate Addiction
In a remorseful statement to the court, Mizuhara apologized to Ohtani, the Dodgers, the government, and his family.
“I am truly, deeply sorry for what I have done. I am prepared to be punished for it.”
Mizuhara admitted to using Ohtani’s money to cover mounting gambling debts, fund his lavish baseball card purchases (totaling $325,000), and even pay for his own dental bills.
Prosecutors: ‘He Lied, He Cheated, He Stole’
Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph T. McNally emphasized the gravity of Mizuhara’s deception, saying he took advantage of Ohtani’s vulnerability as a non-English speaker navigating the world of Major League Baseball.
“Mr. Mizuhara lied, he cheated, and he stole. His behavior was shameless.”
Prosecutors revealed that Mizuhara had manipulated Ohtani’s bank account starting in 2021, altering security protocols to impersonate the baseball star and authorize massive wire transfers.
By 2024, Mizuhara had:
Placed tens of millions of dollars in illegal bets—on international soccer, the NBA, the NFL, and college football. (Prosecutors confirmed he never bet on baseball.)
Spent $325,000 on baseball cards from online resellers.
Defense: Gambling Addiction and VIP Treatment
Mizuhara’s attorney, Michael Freedman, had requested a lighter sentence of just 18 months, arguing that Mizuhara’s gambling addiction was fueled by access to unlimited credit from an illegal bookmaker—a temptation worsened by his high-profile connection to Ohtani.
“He was exposed to a world where he was given unlimited credit to run up these kinds of numbers,” Freedman said.
However, federal prosecutor Jeff Mitchell countered that Mizuhara’s actions had inflicted lasting damage—not just financial but also reputational—on Ohtani.
“The most significant harm to Mr. Ohtani is the reputational damage, which may never be fully repaired.”
A Trusted Friend Turned Fraudster
Born in Japan, Mizuhara moved to California at age six, struggling with English before mastering the language. He later returned to Japan in 2013 to work as an interpreter for a Japanese baseball team, eventually becoming Ohtani’s close friend and confidant.
When Ohtani moved to the U.S. in 2018, Mizuhara followed, handling personal errands, grocery shopping, and acting as his right-hand man both on and off the field.
Mizuhara was by Ohtani’s side during his biggest career moments:
⚾ Serving as his catcher at the 2021 Home Run Derby
⚾ Witnessing his two American League MVP wins
⚾ Celebrating his record-breaking $700 million contract with the Dodgers
His loyalty even extended to quitting his job with the Los Angeles Angels during the 2021 MLB lockout—just so he could continue communicating with Ohtani.
A Scandal That Rocked Baseball
The case sent shockwaves through the sports world, engulfing Ohtani in controversy despite prosecutors confirming he was a victim. The scandal emerged from a broader investigation into illegal sports bookmaking operations in Southern California, with links to money laundering in Las Vegas casinos.
Ohtani, now with the Dodgers, remains one of baseball’s biggest stars. Last year, he helped lead the team to a World Series victory and claimed his third Most Valuable Player award.
