
Why feds say Shohei Ohtani is a ‘victim’: Interpreter allegedly paid gambling debts pretending to be Dodger
LA TimesDodgers star Shohei Ohtani “cooperated fully” with an investigation of his former interpreter and was cleared of wrongdoing, the U.S. attorney for the Central District of California said. When Japanese interpreter Ippei Mizuhara lost bets, he paid a bookmaker with money allegedly stolen from Shohei Ohtani, a staggering total of more than $16 million — nearly four times what previously had been reported. But when Mizuhara won bets, federal authorities said Thursday, he stashed the cash in an account of his own — evidence that supports Ohtani’s claims he was unaware of the gambling. Ohtani expressed dismay over Mizuhara during a news conference March 25 at Dodger Stadium, saying his interpreter “was lying to everyone, including everyone around me.” “I have never bet on anything or bet for anyone on a sporting event, or asked someone to bet for me,” he added, “and I’ve never asked anyone to send money to a bookmaker from my bank account.” The federal complaint alleges Mizuhara set up the bank account where Ohtani deposited paychecks, refused to allow Ohtani’s agent, accountant or financial advisor to access it, and impersonated Ohtani during phone calls with bank officials while authorizing wire transfers to bookmakers. That’s also when Mizuhara allegedly telephoned the bank and falsely identified himself as Ohtani to trick bank employees into authorizing wire transfers from Ohtani’s bank account to the illegal gambling operation.
History of this topic

Shohei Ohtani’s Ex-Interpreter Sentenced To Nearly 5 Years In Sports Betting Case
Huff Post
Things to know about the sports betting case against the ex-interpreter for baseball's Shohei Ohtani
The Independent
Things to know about the sports betting case against the ex-interpreter for baseball’s Shohei Ohtani
Associated Press
Baseball star Shohei Ohtani’s ex-interpreter is sentenced to nearly 5 years in sports betting case
Associated Press
Baseball star Ohtani's ex-interpreter to appear in court for sentencing in betting case
The Independent
Interpreter who stole millions from Shohei Ohtani gets nearly five years in prison
LA Times
How Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter was found guilty of multi-million-dollar fraud targeting Japanese baseball star
Firstpost
Recording captured ex-interpreter impersonating Ohtani to transfer $200,000, prosecutors say
Associated Press
Shohei Ohtani’s ex-interpreter allegedly impersonated him to transfer $200,000
LA Times
Shohei Ohtani to recoup $325,000 in baseball cards. Ex-interpreter still owes him $16 million
LA Times
Baseball star Shohei Ohtani seeks $325,000 worth of baseball cards from his ex-interpreter
Associated Press
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani seeks $325,000 worth of baseball cards from ex-interpreter
LA Times
Shohei Ohtani, his translator, and the $180m betting scandal that hangs over baseball's biggest superstar as he seeks World Series glory
Daily Mail
With more gambling cases likely, Ohtani debacle is a lesson to MLB
LA Times
Ippei Mizuhara spoke for baseball star Shohei Ohtani. He also stole nearly $17M from him
Associated Press
Ippei Mizuhara, ex-interpreter for baseball star Shohei Ohtani, expected to enter guilty plea
The Independent
Ippei Mizuhara, ex-interpreter for Shohei Ohtani, pleads guilty to fraud in betting case
LA Times
Ohtani’s former interpreter Mizuhara pleads guilty in sport betting case
Al Jazeera
Ippei Mizuhara, Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter, pleads not guilty as a formality
LA Times
Ippei Mizuhara, ex-interpreter for MLB star Shohei Ohtani, pleads not guilty as a formality
Associated Press
Ohtani’s ex-interpreter reportedly wired money to ‘Real Housewives’ star to pay gambling debts
LA Times
Ohtani's Ex-Interpreter To Plead Guilty For $17 Million Theft
Huff Post
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter pleads guilty to transferring $17m from player’s bank account
The IndependentIppei Mizuhara, ex-interpreter for baseball star Shohei Ohtani, pleads guilty in sports betting case
The Independent
Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara pleads guilty to bank fraud over $17M theft from Dodgers star
Daily Mail
Ippei Mizuhara, ex-interpreter for baseball star Shohei Ohtani, will plead guilty in betting case
Associated Press
Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter agrees to plead guilty to stealing $17 million
LA Times
Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara reaches plea agreement on 2 federal charges
CNN
Shohei Ohtani hits record-equaling 175th MLB home run vs. Padres... just hours after his ex-interpreter Ippei Mizuhara was in court over claims he stole $16MILLION from Dodgers star
Daily Mail
Shohei Ohtani’s ex-interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, must get gambling addiction treatment, judge says
Associated Press
Judge in sports betting case orders ex-interpreter for Ohtani to get gambling addiction treatment
The Independent
Shohei Ohtani: Here’s how investigators allege Ippei Mizuhara stole $16 million from baseball star
The Independent
Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara makes first court appearance in L.A.
LA Times
Shohei Ohtani translator indicted for gambling theft: Ippei Mizuhara betrayed Ohtani; his agent and communications team did too.
Slate
Here’s how investigators allege Ippei Mizuhara stole $16 million from Shohei Ohtani
Associated Press
Shohei Ohtani's Translator Accused Of Stealing Over $16 Million From Baseball Star's Account
Huff Post
Former interpreter for baseball star Shohei Ohtani charged with bank fraud in sports betting case
The Independent
Shohei Ohtani’s ex-interpreter charged with stealing $16M from baseball star in sports betting case
Associated Press
Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter negotiating guilty plea after theft of millions
The Independent
Ohtani interpreter stole more than $16 million from baseball star, feds allege
LA Times
What's next for Shohei Ohtani, MLB after Ippei Mizuhara charges?
LA Times
Shohei Ohtani's legend continues as baseball star, not a gambler
LA Times
Inside the gambling ring linked to Ohtani — as told by two bettors themselves
LA Times
Japanese treat Shohei Ohtani gambling scandal like ‘presidential election.’ Media take his side
LA Times
Letters to Sports: When it comes to Shohei Ohtani, nobody knows the real story
LA Times
Dodgers' Ohtani, Betts and Freeman are matching the Big Three hype
LA Times
The mysterious life — and questionable claims — of Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter
LA Times
Shohei Ohtani shows no hint he's distracted by gambling scandal
LA Times
Here’s what we know about the allegations against Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara
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