Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter of Shohei Ohtani, is accused of stealing $16 million from the Los Angeles Dodgers star to cover his gambling debts. Mizuhara allegedly made unauthorized transfers from Ohtani's account between November 2021 and January 2024.
Federal authorities revealed that Mizuhara had unique access to Ohtani's finances due to the trust he held with the star. Mizuhara impersonated Ohtani in recorded phone calls to authorize transfers.
Ohtani's representation refuted Mizuhara's claim that the star voluntarily covered his debt. Ohtani accused Mizuhara of stealing from him, leading to federal charges of bank fraud against the former interpreter.
Mizuhara faces up to 30 years in prison for the bank fraud charges. While investigations continue, Ohtani has handed over his phone to authorities, and there's no evidence yet indicating his awareness of Mizuhara's actions.
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