Shocking Revelations: Ex-Interpreter Accused of Impersonating Shohei Ohtani, Stealing over $16M
Exciting new revelations have surfaced regarding the gambling scandal involving Shohei Ohtani, a two-time MVP, and his former long-standing interpreter.
According to reports from federal authorities in a Los Angeles court, Ippei Mizuhara, Ohtani’s former interpreter, has been accused of bank fraud. ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez disclosed that Mizuhara was alleged to have transferred over $16 million from the account of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ star hitter to a suspected illegal sports book.
As per The Athletic’s Mike Vorkunov, bank fraud is a serious crime carrying a potential maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison.
Ippei Mizuhara, Shohei Ohtani's longtime interpreter and confidant, has been charged with bank fraud after it was discovered he transferred more than $16M from Ohtani's account to an alleged illegal sports book, federal authorities announced in L.A. court.
— Alden González (@Alden_Gonzalez) April 11, 2024
Further accounts reveal astonishing details from the case, including allegations that Mizuhara falsely represented Ohtani while interacting with a bank. Following Thursday’s developments, MLB.com’s Anthony Castrovince outlined various items that a sum of $16 million could purchase.
Or one whole season of service from Frankie Montas! pic.twitter.com/r4iL5MLS1c
— Anthony Castrovince (@castrovince) April 11, 2024
Despite the controversy, the versatile player and three-time All-Star has not allowed it to affect his performance in the early stages of the 2024 season.
As of Thursday, Ohtani leads MLB in doubles (eight), shares the league’s top spot in total bases (40) with his teammate Mookie Betts, and ties with another teammate, Will Smith, for the second position in hits (21) in the NL.
The internet is a brilliant place.
Yes, yes. Ippei was a fall guy for Shohei Ohtani.
A fall guy that would falsely identify himself as *checks notes*… The guy he is supposedly taking the fall for…
Bravo everyone. You cracked the case! pic.twitter.com/XAUYqHwqSs
— Ben Verlander (@BenVerlander) April 11, 2024
With a record of 10-5, the Dodgers have sprinted to a three-game advantage in the NL West, leaving every other team in the division below a .500 winning percentage.
