Title: Former Interpreter for Shohei Ohtani Arrested for Stealing $16 Million to Cover Gambling Debts

Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter for Los Angeles Angels' superstar Shohei Ohtani, surrendered to federal authorities on Friday after being charged with bank fraud. Prosecutors allege that Mizuhara stole over $16 million from Ohtani to settle his debts with an illegal bookmaker.

According to the 36-page criminal complaint, Mizuhara took advantage of his close relationship with Ohtani to fuel his spiraling gambling habit. Over a two-year period, Mizuhara accumulated a staggering $40 million in losses from more than 19,000 bets. Although he managed to win $142 million through illegal sports betting, he ultimately lost $183 million.

As his debts mounted, Mizuhara resorted to wire transfers from the bank account where Ohtani's baseball salary was deposited. These funds were used to pay off his debts with the illegal bookmaking operation based in Orange County.

Mizuhara, who faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted, made his initial appearance in federal court in Los Angeles on Friday. The Justice Department has indicated that he will likely be released on bond and will not be required to enter a plea at this time.

In a press conference on Thursday, U.S. attorney E. Martin Estrada emphasized that Ohtani was an unwitting victim in Mizuhara's gambling scheme and fully cooperated with the federal investigation. Ohtani provided access to his digital devices and personal information to assist in the case.

The relationship between Mizuhara and Ohtani dates back to 2013 when Ohtani was a rookie for the Nippon-Ham Fighters in Hokkaido, Japan. Mizuhara served as Ohtani's translator for American players and continued to work with him when he joined the Los Angeles Angels in 2018.

Mizuhara, who was born in Japan but attended middle and high school in Los Angeles County, became an integral part of Ohtani's life in Southern California. He helped the baseball star navigate language barriers, manage his schedule, and communicate with his family, friends, and business associates in Japan.

The complaint alleges that Mizuhara orchestrated wire transfers from Ohtani's U.S. bank account without his knowledge or permission. Mizuhara impersonated Ohtani during phone calls with bank employees, using personal details from Ohtani's life to bypass security measures.

Authorities discovered that more than $16 million was sent from Ohtani's account via wire transfers to individuals linked to the illegal bookmaking operation between November 2021 and January 2024. The majority of the money, approximately $15 million, was transferred from February 2022 to October 2023.

Federal officials seized Mizuhara's phone at Los Angeles International Airport in March 2024 after he returned from South Korea. Investigators uncovered a trove of evidence, including 9,700 pages of text messages that implicated Mizuhara in the illegal gambling operation. These messages revealed exchanges between Mizuhara and the bookmakers, discussing his debts and attempts to obtain additional borrowing limits.

It is unclear how Mizuhara's arrest will impact his relationship with Ohtani and the Los Angeles Angels. The team has not issued a statement regarding the situation.

As the legal proceedings unfold, Mizuhara's arrest serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with gambling addictions and the need for safeguards to protect vulnerable individuals from financial exploitation.