Ex-Interpreter Allegedly Impersonated Ohtani to Swindle $200,000, Say Prosecutors

Ippei Mizuhara is scheduled for sentencing on February 6 after entering a guilty plea for bank fraud and submitting a false tax return.

In a shocking turn of events, Mizuhara, who formerly served as the interpreter for baseball star Shohei Ohtani, is facing serious legal consequences. Federal prosecutors revealed an audio recording allegedly depicting Mizuhara impersonating Ohtani during a call with a bank. This call involved a request for a $200,000 transfer, ostensibly for a car loan.

The incriminating recording, referenced in a recent court filing and obtained by The Associated Press, reinforces prosecutors’ call for a nearly five-year prison term for Mizuhara. He has previously admitted guilt to bank and tax fraud, embezzling close to $17 million from Ohtani.

Alongside prison time, the prosecution seeks restitution of nearly $17 million to Ohtani and proposes a penalty exceeding $1 million for the IRS. Mizuhara’s legal issues stem from extensive financial misconduct, including altering Ohtani’s bank security settings to facilitate unauthorized wire transfers beginning around November 2021.

In the audio clip, the impersonator claims to have difficulties accessing his online banking and confirms the transaction amount as $200,000 when prompted by a bank representative. As the conversation unfolds, he refers to Ohtani merely as a “friend,” raising red flags during the inquiry.

Prosecutors have indicated that the illicit funds were used for various personal expenses, including gambling debts and a significant purchase of baseball cards valued at $325,000 through online platforms.

Mizuhara, who played a close role in Ohtani’s career, was seen during pivotal moments such as the Home Run Derby in 2021 and Ohtani’s two MVP wins, despite his descent into gambling turmoil. He notably distanced himself from the Los Angeles Angels during the 2021 MLB lockout to maintain his relationship with Ohtani.

In the end, his reckless gambling habits have led to substantial financial losses, betting on a variety of sports, although prosecutors have clarified that he did not wager on baseball.