Baseball star Ohtani's interpreter jailed for $17m gambling fraud

Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, has been sentenced to nearly five years in prison for a scheme involving fraud and gambling. He was also ordered to pay nearly $17 million in restitution to the baseball star from whom he stole and $1 million in taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Mizuhara had served as Ohtani's English interpreter since 2018, when the baseball phenomenon first debuted in Major League Baseball (MLB). Last year, media reports about his gambling activities triggered an investigation into Ohtani's finances, leading to Mizuhara's dismissal. The investigation revealed that Mizuhara stole nearly $17 million from the athlete to pay off debts owed to Southern California bookmakers. He also falsified tax records to conceal his actions and pleaded guilty to charges of bank and tax fraud.

"Mr. Mizuhara held a unique position of trust that afforded him access, gave him fame, and came with a lucrative salary," said Acting United States Attorney Joseph McNally. "Unfortunately, he took advantage of this coveted job to plunder millions of dollars from his friend and benefactor." McNally also stated, "This is a sad tale of an American success story gone astray – so astray that Mr. Mizuhara will be spending several years in federal prison."

Inside a courtroom in Santa Ana, California, Ippei Mizuhara, dressed in a light black suit, sat with his hands on his knees, looking directly at the judge as the sentence was delivered. He remained motionless as the verdict was announced. Prior to his sentencing, he apologized for his actions. "I am very sorry to Mr. Ohtani, and I hope to apologize to him. I want him to know I am sorry," he said. "I wish things never happened this way. I will work to pay this back, and I will do anything to make things right."

The scheme at one point threatened Ohtani's career – currently one of baseball's biggest global stars – as questions swirled about his potential involvement in the gambling ring. His interpreter initially claimed that the star knew about his gambling addiction and had lent him funds – a claim Ohtani initially confirmed. However, he later clarified that his comments to reporters were inaccurate, part of Mizuhara's scheme, and stated that "all of this has been a complete lie." MLB has strict regulations against sports betting, which is illegal in California, although permitted in 38 other states in the U.S. Ohtani largely remained silent on the matter, but issued a statement regarding the scandal in March, saying, "I'm beyond shocked and saddened that someone I trusted has done this."

Judge John Holcomb stated in court that Ippei Mizuhara will be subject to three years of supervised release after his prison term, which will include drug and alcohol testing and continued treatment for his gambling addiction. Mizuhara has been granted a 45-day self-surrender date and is scheduled to self-report on March 24 to serve his 57-month sentence. Mizuhara, who was born in Japan, could also face deportation upon completion of his sentence. When asked by the BBC outside the courthouse whether he would appeal, Mizuhara's lawyer stated "no comment."

In addition to the stolen funds, Ippei Mizuhara also used Ohtani's money to purchase several autographed baseball cards. These cards, valued at approximately $325,000, were intended for resale, but Ohtani has petitioned a federal judge to grant him ownership of the cards as part of the restitution process. Mizuhara admitted to falsifying his 2022 tax return, underreporting $4.1 million in income generated from the scheme. He owes approximately $1.15 million in unpaid taxes, plus penalties and interest.

His sentencing had been postponed several times before Thursday. Originally scheduled for October 25 of last year, which would have coincided with the first game of the World Series Ohtani was participating in, prosecutors agreed to move it to December 20. The Dodgers ultimately won the series. The December date was subsequently postponed to allow a forensic psychiatrist to evaluate Mizuhara's gambling addiction. Mizuhara's legal team used the report to argue for leniency, citing his cooperation with investigators and efforts to address his gambling addiction. In a previous court appearance, Mizuhara admitted to the charges against him and acknowledged his struggles with gambling. "I am deeply regretful for my actions and the harm I have caused to Mr. Ohtani and his family," Mizuhara said. "I let my personal problems get out of control, and I betrayed the trust of someone who has given me everything."