Ippei Mizuhara steals nearly $17 million from Shohei Ohtani
- Ippei Mizuhara was supposed to begin a nearly five-year prison term after pleading guilty to charges related to illegal gambling and fraud.
- He had stolen almost $17 million from renowned baseball player Shohei Ohtani by impersonating him to carry out unauthorized wire transfers.
- This case underscores the significant risks of financial mismanagement and betrayal faced by professional athletes.
In the United States, an alarming case has arisen surrounding Ippei Mizuhara, who served as a trusted interpreter for baseball star Shohei Ohtani. Mizuhara started siphoning money from Ohtani's accounts in November 2021, continuing until January 2024. His criminal activities were revealed following an investigation into illegal gambling operations, culminating in a guilty plea for bank and tax fraud. After being sentenced to four years and nine months in prison, Mizuhara was expected to surrender to authorities on a specified date, but his surrender was postponed due to reasons sealed by the court. Federal prosecutors confirmed that the former interpreter was involved in a complex scheme involving unauthorized wire transfers where he impersonated Ohtani to facilitate the illegal transactions. Throughout the investigation, it became clear that Mizuhara did not merely use the funds for personal gain. For example, allegations surfaced that he used part of the stolen money to pay for a variety of gambling debts and expenses, including $325,000 worth of baseball cards and dental services. The severity of Mizuhara's actions has raised significant concerns regarding trust and security in professional sports, especially regarding the roles of those who assist high-profile athletes. Shohei Ohtani has expressed profound disappointment and shock over the betrayal from someone he once considered a close friend. The ramifications of this case extend beyond personal loss for Ohtani, affecting his reputation and exposing vulnerabilities that exist in the financial management of professional athletes. The continuing legal proceedings and impending consequences for Mizuhara serve as a cautionary tale highlighting the potential dangers faced by those in the sports industry.