Ippei Mizuhara, former interpreter for MLB player Shohei Ohtani, is facing sentencing for stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani's account to cover gambling debts. Despite his role to aid Ohtani, Mizuhara exploited their language barrier, perpetrating a long-term fraud that included stealing baseball cards and covering personal expenses. Prosecutors deemed his actions a calculated betrayal and are seeking significant restitution payments. The case highlights the intertwining of sports and illegal gambling, raising broader concerns within the industry.
The case affected arguably the world's most famous baseball player... It stemmed from a broader probe into illegal sports bookmaking and the laundering of proceeds through casinos.
Mizuhara is expected to be sentenced Thursday for bank and tax fraud after he stole nearly $17 million from the Los Angeles Dodgers player's bank account.
Prosecutors labeled Mizuhara's actions a "calculated betrayal" of the very person he was hired to help.
Mizuhara described his financial strain and addiction to gambling, which he hoped would alleviate his money problems.
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