Ippei Mizuhara Ordered to Repay Millions After Shocking Fraud
Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, has been sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for stealing nearly $17 million from the Los Angeles Dodgers superstar. The stolen money funded Mizuhara’s illegal gambling debts, lavish purchases, and personal expenses.
U.S. District Judge John W. Holcomb handed down the sentence, calling the crime “shocking” and emphasizing the sheer magnitude of the theft. Mizuhara must also repay Ohtani nearly the full amount stolen, along with $1 million to the IRS.
The $17M Scam: How Mizuhara Stole from Ohtani
Mizuhara, 40, pleaded guilty to bank and tax fraud in June. As Ohtani’s trusted interpreter and personal manager, he had full access to the baseball star’s financial accounts.
How the Fraud Unfolded:
- In 2018, Mizuhara obtained Ohtani’s bank log-in details while helping him open an account.
- By 2021, he was making illegal sports bets and accumulating massive debt.
- He impersonated Ohtani to authorize wire transfers, changing account details so bank calls went to him, not Ohtani.
- He transferred millions to cover bets, buy $325,000 in baseball cards, and even pay for dental work.
Despite his claims of a gambling addiction, prosecutors found no substantial evidence of long-term betting issues. Instead, they revealed he lived a luxury lifestyle, even driving a Porsche gifted by Ohtani while secretly stealing from him.
Mizuhara’s Apology Falls Flat
During sentencing, Mizuhara admitted his wrongdoing but tried to justify his actions, claiming he was living “paycheck to paycheck” despite making $250,000 a year.
Judge Holcomb dismissed his excuses, stating his apology lacked sincerity and was full of misrepresentations.
“Instead of showing true remorse, he tried to justify stealing millions from Mr. Ohtani,” prosecutors wrote.
Mizuhara is scheduled to begin serving his sentence on March 24. As a non-U.S. citizen, he is expected to be deported to Japan after his release.
Key Takeaways from the Case
- Trust Doesn’t Equal Protection: Even trusted employees can commit fraud. Regularly monitor financial accounts and use multi-factor authentication.
- High-Profile Athletes Are Targets: Ohtani isn’t the first sports star to be scammed by someone close. Financial advisors should conduct regular audits to prevent fraud.
- Illegal Gambling Can Lead to Financial Ruin: Mizuhara’s case highlights the risks of unchecked gambling and its potential legal consequences.
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