### Shohei Ohtani Seeks Retrieval of $325,000 Baseball Cards Purchased by Former Interpreter

Shohei Ohtani has recently reached out to a federal judge in a bid to reclaim $325,000 worth of baseball cards, which were fraudulently bought by his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara. Mizuhara, who was once a close confidant, admitted guilt earlier this year to defrauding Ohtani of approximately $17 million.

On Tuesday, Ohtani, who has just celebrated a World Series victory and an MVP season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, submitted a request to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. His aim is to regain ownership of the sports cards that authorities had confiscated from Mizuhara. The court has approved a hearing on the matter, set to convene on December 20.

Mizuhara had earlier confessed in June to charges of bank and tax fraud, linked to the theft of millions from Ohtani. Specific incidents between January and March 2024 reveal Mizuhara's acquisition of baseball cards through online platforms like eBay and Whatnot, with plans to resell them. Ohtani argues that the cards were purchased with his funds and thus, should be returned to him.

Moreover, Ohtani stated that Mizuhara wrongfully had a quantity of personally signed collectible baseball cards featuring his image. These items were seized along with the others, and Ohtani is seeking their return as well.

Mizuhara's unlawful acts involved unauthorized access to Ohtani's bank account. Following these offenses, the Dodgers terminated Mizuhara's employment in March. Initially set for October 25, Mizuhara's sentencing was rescheduled to January 24, owing to a delay.

Court documents enumerate the confiscated items as "collectible sports cards found in silver and black Panopply case; collectible sports cards found in gray Panopply case; box containing collectible sports cards; card wrap device; and plastic card protectors holders."