A former federal prosecutor has raised concerns that the recent illegal gambling allegations surrounding Shohei Ohtani's former translator, Ippei Mizuhara, could potentially fall under the umbrella of money laundering. Should it be revealed that Ohtani approved wire transfers to cover Mizuhara's reported $4.5 million debt, it may have significant legal implications.

Initially, Ohtani's camp acknowledged that he had transferred funds to offset Mizuhara's losses. However, they later "disavowed" Mizuhara's account of events, with lawyers claiming that Ohtani was actually a victim of "massive theft." These conflicting narratives have caught the attention of legal experts.

Joshua A. Naftalis, who worked on the NBA's case involving former referee Tim Donaghy and point-shaving, highlighted the potential federal crime of money laundering in this situation. Naftalis argued that if Ohtani was aware of and authorized the wire transfers, it could implicate him in money laundering activities. He emphasized the significance of the shifting storylines and the difference between theft and covering funds in determining the legality of Ohtani's actions.

The IRS is reportedly investigating the alleged illegal activities associated with this case, according to The Associated Press. As of now, neither Ohtani nor Mizuhara has been charged with a crime.

The ESPN report claimed that at least $4.5 million in wire transfers had been sent from Ohtani's bank account to an associate of Matthew Bowyer, described as a southern California bookmaker. The outlet stated that it had seen "bank information" that included Ohtani's name on two $500,000 payments made in September and October of last year. It is worth noting that both Ohtani's sources and Mizuhara denied Ohtani's involvement in gambling, with Mizuhara asserting that he did not bet on baseball.

Mizuhara initially stated in an interview with ESPN that he had asked Ohtani to pay off his gambling debt. However, he quickly changed his story, claiming that Ohtani had no knowledge of his debts and had not transferred any money.

The stark contrast between the different versions of events has raised red flags for legal experts like Naftalis. The significant sum of money involved, $4.5 million, is notable in Mizuhara's case, as it exceeds what one would expect a translator to owe. However, given the financial capacity of a professional athlete like Ohtani, it is a sum that he could potentially afford to lose.

The outcome of the ongoing investigation by the IRS will hold key implications for both Ohtani and Mizuhara. Money laundering charges, if proven, carry severe penalties and can tarnish the reputation of those involved.

As the investigation proceeds, it remains to be seen how this gambling scandal will unfold and what legal consequences it may hold for Ohtani and Mizuhara. The truth behind the conflicting accounts will play a vital role in determining whether money laundering has indeed occurred in this case.