Los Angeles Dodgers star baseball player Shohei Ohtani has made serious allegations against former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara. Ohtani alleges that Mizuhara misused his bank account to steal about $17 million and used some of the money to buy $3.25 million worth of baseball cards.
Initiation and Allegation of Misconduct:-
According to documents submitted by Ohtani to the court, beginning in November 2021, Mizuhara altered the security system of Ohtani’s bank account and impersonated him for financial transactions. By 2024, they used the money to buy baseball cards from online platforms such as eBay and Whatnot.
In this regard, Mizuhara’s lawyer Michael G. Friedman has declined to comment.
Use and Punishment of Fraud:-
In June, Mizuhara admitted to using Ohtani’s bank account to support his gambling habits and cover personal medical expenses. He also used the money to pay off millions in gambling debts to illegal bookies.
Mizuhara has pleaded guilty to charges related to bank fraud and false tax returns. They can be sentenced to more than 30 years in prison for these crimes. Also, they will have to pay restitution of $17 million to Ohtani and $1 million to the IRS (Department of Income Tax).
Abuse of personal relationships:-
Ohtani and Mizuhara’s relationship was initially professional, but eventually turned into a friendship. Mizuhara gave up his own job to keep in touch with Ohtani during the MLB lockout in 2021 and was later rehired.
However, Mizuhara gambled away millions of dollars, abusing Ohtani’s trust. He gambled heavily for international football, NBA, NFL and college football. Incredibly, he never gambled on baseball, prosecutors said.
Ohtani’s demand:-
Now Ohtani is demanding in court that Mizuhara return all the money he took from him. Also, Ohtani’s autographed baseball cards in Mizuhara’s possession should be returned.
Further legal proceedings:-
Mizuhara is scheduled to be sentenced in January 2024. If convicted, they could face prison terms and deportation from the US to Japan.
Ohtani’s career:-
Meanwhile, Shohei Ohtani has set many records due to his excellent game. This year, he won the World Series for the Los Angeles Dodgers and won the ‘Most Valuable Player’ award for the third time.
The allegations against Mizuhara are not only limited to financial fraud, but also undermine Ohtani’s credibility. The next direction will be predicted only after the court decision on this matter.
