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<!-- META_DESCRIPTION: Learn about Ippei Mizuhara's $17 million theft from Shohei Ohtani and federal bank fraud conviction. Explore the interpreter's gambling addiction case. -->
{{Infobox Person
{{Infobox Person
|name = Ippei Mizuhara
|name = Ippei Mizuhara
|birth_date = December 31, 1984
|birth_date = December 31, 1984
|birth_place = Hokkaido, Japan
|birth_place = Hokkaido, Japan
|charges = Bank fraud, Filing a false tax return
|charges = [[Bank_Fraud|Bank fraud]], Filing a false tax return
|sentence = 57 months
|sentence = 57 months
|facility = Federal prison
|facility = Federal prison
|status = Incarcerated
|status = Incarcerated
}}
}}
'''Ippei Mizuhara''' (born December 31, 1984) is a former Major League Baseball interpreter who was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for stealing nearly $17 million from baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani to cover gambling debts.<ref name="doj-sentence">U.S. Department of Justice, "Former Interpreter Sentenced to Nearly 5 Years in Prison for Illegally Transferring Nearly $17 Million from Baseball Star's Bank Account," February 2025, https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca/pr/former-interpreter-sentenced-nearly-5-years-prison-illegally-transferring-nearly-17.</ref> Mizuhara served as Ohtani's personal interpreter from 2017, when Ohtani joined the Los Angeles Angels, through March 2024, when he was fired by the Los Angeles Dodgers after the theft was discovered. During that time, Mizuhara became one of the most recognizable figures in baseball, appearing alongside Ohtani at press conferences, during games, and even serving as his catcher during the 2021 Home Run Derby.<ref name="espn-sentence">ESPN, "Ippei Mizuhara sentenced to 57 months for stealing from Shohei Ohtani," February 2025, https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/43721275/mizuhara-sentenced-57-months-prison-ohtani-fraud.</ref> His spectacular fall from grace became one of the biggest scandals in modern sports history, exposing the dangers of gambling addiction and the vulnerability of athletes who place deep trust in their closest associates.
'''Ippei Mizuhara''' (born December 31, 1984) is a former Major League Baseball interpreter who was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for stealing nearly $17 million from baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani to cover gambling debts.<ref name="doj-sentence">U.S. Department of Justice, "Former Interpreter Sentenced to Nearly 5 Years in Prison for Illegally Transferring Nearly $17 Million from Baseball Star's Bank Account," February 2025, https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca/pr/former-interpreter-sentenced-nearly-5-years-prison-illegally-transferring-nearly-17.</ref> Mizuhara served as Ohtani's personal interpreter starting in 2017, when Ohtani joined the Los Angeles Angels. He stayed in that role through March 2024, when the Los Angeles Dodgers fired him after discovering the theft. During those years, Mizuhara became one of baseball's most visible figures, appearing at Ohtani's press conferences and games. He even caught for him during the 2021 Home Run Derby.<ref name="espn-sentence">ESPN, "Ippei Mizuhara sentenced to 57 months for stealing from Shohei Ohtani," February 2025, https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/43721275/mizuhara-sentenced-57-months-prison-ohtani-fraud.</ref> His fall from grace shocked the sports world, exposing both the dangers of gambling addiction and how deeply an athlete can trust the wrong person.


== Summary ==
== Summary ==


The Ippei Mizuhara case shocked the sports world and revealed how a trusted confidant could systematically exploit a superstar athlete. Over approximately two and a half years, Mizuhara placed at least 19,000 bets through an illegal bookmaking operation, wagering approximately $325-326 million on sports events around the world. His winning bets totaled about $142 million, but his losing bets exceeded $182 million, leaving him with a net loss of more than $40 million.<ref name="cbs-sentence">CBS Sports, "Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, sentenced to 57 months in prison and must pay $18.1M," February 2025, https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/shohei-ohtanis-former-interpreter-ippei-mizuhara-sentenced-to-57-months-in-prison-and-must-pay-18-1m/.</ref>
The Ippei Mizuhara case stunned everyone who followed baseball. How could someone so close to a superstar exploit him so thoroughly? Over roughly two and a half years, Mizuhara placed at least 19,000 bets through an illegal bookmaking operation. He wagered approximately $325 to $326 million on sports events worldwide. His winning bets totaled about $142 million, but his losses exceeded $182 million, leaving him down more than $40 million.<ref name="cbs-sentence">CBS Sports, "Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, sentenced to 57 months in prison and must pay $18.1M," February 2025, https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/shohei-ohtanis-former-interpreter-ippei-mizuhara-sentenced-to-57-months-in-prison-and-must-pay-18-1m/.</ref>


To cover his losses, Mizuhara exploited his access to Ohtani's finances. He changed the security settings on Ohtani's bank account, including the registered phone number and email address, so that bank employees would contact him instead of Ohtani when verifying transactions. He then impersonated Ohtani on approximately 24 calls with the bank to authorize wire transfers to the bookmaker. Federal prosecutors made clear that Ohtani was entirely a victim who never gambled or knew his money was being stolen.<ref name="doj-sentence" />
To pay those losses, Mizuhara turned to Ohtani's bank account. He changed the security settings without permission, altering the registered phone number and email address so bank employees would call him instead of Ohtani when verifying transactions. On roughly 24 phone calls with the bank, he impersonated Ohtani and authorized wire transfers. Federal prosecutors were adamant: Ohtani never gambled and had no idea his money was disappearing.<ref name="doj-sentence" />


== Background ==
== Background ==
Line 21: Line 20:
=== Early Life ===
=== Early Life ===


Ippei Mizuhara was born on December 31, 1984, in Hokkaido, Japan. In 1991, when he was seven years old, his family moved to Southern California so his father, Hidemasa, a chef, could work there. Mizuhara was raised in Diamond Bar, a city in eastern Los Angeles County, where he attended Chaparral Middle School and Diamond Bar High School, graduating in 2003.<ref name="wiki-mizuhara">Wikipedia, "Ippei Mizuhara," https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ippei_Mizuhara.</ref>
Born on December 31, 1984, in Hokkaido, Japan, Mizuhara moved to Southern California with his family in 1991. His father, Hidemasa, worked as a chef there. The family settled in Diamond Bar, a city in eastern Los Angeles County. Mizuhara attended Chaparral Middle School and Diamond Bar High School, graduating in 2003.<ref name="wiki-mizuhara">Wikipedia, "Ippei Mizuhara," https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ippei_Mizuhara.</ref>


As a young immigrant, Mizuhara faced significant challenges learning English but eventually developed strong bilingual proficiency in both English and Japanese. Former coaches described him as a quiet and unremarkable student who kept his head down and completed his work diligently. At Diamond Bar High School, he was a backup goalie on the varsity soccer team but received limited playing time.<ref name="nbc-who">NBC News, "Who is Shohei Ohtani's interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara? Everything we know," 2024, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/sports/shohei-ohtani-interpreter-ippei-mizuhara-everything-know-rcna144445.</ref>
As a young immigrant, he struggled with English but eventually became fluent in both English and Japanese. Coaches remembered him as quiet and dependable. He was a backup goalie on the varsity soccer team in high school but didn't play much.<ref name="nbc-who">NBC News, "Who is Shohei Ohtani's interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara? Everything we know," 2024, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/sports/shohei-ohtani-interpreter-ippei-mizuhara-everything-know-rcna144445.</ref>


Mizuhara later claimed to have graduated from the University of California, Riverside in 2007, but when the scandal broke in March 2024, the university told reporters that its records showed no student by that name having attended.<ref name="yahoo-mysterious">Yahoo News, "The mysterious life — and questionable claims — of Shohei Ohtani's interpreter," 2024, https://www.yahoo.com/news/mysterious-life-questionable-claims-shohei-100045490.html.</ref>
Later, Mizuhara claimed he graduated from the University of California, Riverside in 2007. When the scandal broke in March 2024, the university said they had no record of anyone by that name attending.<ref name="yahoo-mysterious">Yahoo News, "The mysterious life — and questionable claims — of Shohei Ohtani's interpreter," 2024, https://www.yahoo.com/news/mysterious-life-questionable-claims-shohei-100045490.html.</ref>


=== Passion for Baseball ===
=== Passion for Baseball ===


Though he did not play baseball, Mizuhara fell in love with the sport while watching Japanese pitching sensation Hideo Nomo take MLB by storm with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1995. "I was right in the middle of Nomo Fever," Mizuhara told Sports Illustrated in 2021. After trying various jobs including work at a sushi restaurant and for a Japanese sake import company, Mizuhara pursued a career as a baseball interpreter.<ref name="espn-lifeline">ESPN, "How interpreter Ippei Mizuhara became players' lifeline," 2024, https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/39963548/shohei-ohtani-interpreter-ippei-mizuhara-american-players-japan-gambling-scandal.</ref>
He never played baseball himself. Still, watching Hideo Nomo pitch for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1995 changed everything. "I was right in the middle of Nomo Fever," Mizuhara told Sports Illustrated in 2021. After working various jobs, including at a sushi restaurant and for a Japanese sake import company, he decided to become a baseball interpreter.<ref name="espn-lifeline">ESPN, "How interpreter Ippei Mizuhara became players' lifeline," 2024, https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/39963548/shohei-ohtani-interpreter-ippei-mizuhara-american-players-japan-gambling-scandal.</ref>


=== Career as an Interpreter ===
=== Career as an Interpreter ===


In 2013, Mizuhara was hired by the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters of Nippon Professional Baseball to translate for English-speaking players. It was there that he first met Shohei Ohtani, who had also joined the Fighters in 2013. In Japan, Mizuhara's role extended far beyond simple translation—he helped players arrange work visas, set up bank accounts, and accompanied them to medical appointments.<ref name="espn-lifeline" />
In 2013, the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters of Nippon Professional Baseball hired Mizuhara to translate for English-speaking players. Shohei Ohtani had also just joined the Fighters that year. In Japan, Mizuhara's job went far beyond translation. He helped players get work visas, set up bank accounts, and took them to medical appointments.<ref name="espn-lifeline" />


When Ohtani signed with the Los Angeles Angels in December 2017, the team hired Mizuhara to serve as his personal interpreter. Their relationship was remarkably close; Mizuhara was at Ohtani's side for virtually every public appearance and even participated in his baseball activities, including throwing with him during warmups and serving as his catcher during the 2021 MLB Home Run Derby. During the 2021-22 MLB lockout, Mizuhara temporarily resigned from his Angels position to circumvent rules prohibiting contact between players and team personnel, allowing him to continue working with Ohtani.<ref name="wiki-mizuhara" />
When Ohtani signed with the Los Angeles Angels in December 2017, the team brought Mizuhara along as his personal interpreter. The two men became inseparable. Mizuhara was at Ohtani's side constantly, appearing at virtually every public event. He even participated in baseball activities with him, throwing during warmups and catching during the 2021 MLB Home Run Derby. During the 2021-22 MLB lockout, Mizuhara resigned temporarily from his Angels position to skirt rules preventing player-team contact. This let him keep working with Ohtani.<ref name="wiki-mizuhara" />


When Ohtani signed a record 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers before the 2024 season, Mizuhara continued as his interpreter—a position he held for less than three months before the scandal emerged.<ref name="espn-sentence" />
When Ohtani signed his record 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers before the 2024 season, Mizuhara came along as his interpreter. Less than three months later, the scandal emerged and ended everything.<ref name="espn-sentence" />


== The Gambling Scandal ==
== The Gambling Scandal ==
Line 43: Line 42:
=== Connection to Illegal Bookmaker ===
=== Connection to Illegal Bookmaker ===


In September 2021, Mizuhara attended a poker game involving Los Angeles Angels players and coaches, where he met illegal bookmaker Mathew Bowyer. Shortly after, Bowyer set up Mizuhara with a betting account on AnyActionSports.com, a Costa Rica-based gambling website Bowyer used for his operation.<ref name="cbs-sentence" />
In September 2021, Mizuhara attended a poker game with Los Angeles Angels players and coaches. That's where he met [[Mathew_Bowyer|Mathew Bowyer]], an illegal bookmaker. Shortly after, Bowyer set up a betting account for Mizuhara on AnyActionSports.com, a Costa Rica-based gambling website Bowyer ran.<ref name="cbs-sentence" />


Bowyer later said he knew within 30 days that Mizuhara was a problem gambler based on the frequency and nature of his bets. Mizuhara bet obsessively, wagering on obscure international soccer matches and other events around the clock. His average bet was approximately $12,800, and he averaged 25 bets per day.<ref name="irs-sentence">IRS, "Former interpreter sentenced to nearly 5 years in prison for illegally transferring nearly $17 million from baseball star's bank account," February 2025, https://www.irs.gov/compliance/criminal-investigation/former-interpreter-sentenced-to-nearly-5-years-in-prison-for-illegally-transferring-nearly-17-million-from-baseball-stars-bank-account.</ref>
Within 30 days, Bowyer knew he had a problem gambler on his hands. Mizuhara bet constantly. Soccer matches in obscure leagues, events around the world, at all hours of the day and night. His average bet was about $12,800. He placed roughly 25 bets every single day.<ref name="irs-sentence">IRS, "Former interpreter sentenced to nearly 5 years in prison for illegally transferring nearly $17 million from baseball star's bank account," February 2025, https://www.irs.gov/compliance/criminal-investigation/former-interpreter-sentenced-to-nearly-5-years-in-prison-for-illegally-transferring-nearly-17-million-from-baseball-stars-bank-account.</ref>


=== Stealing from Ohtani ===
=== Stealing from Ohtani ===


As Mizuhara's gambling losses mounted into the millions, he began stealing from Ohtani to pay his debts. Starting no later than November 2021 and continuing through March 2024, Mizuhara used Ohtani's password to access his bank account and changed the security protocols without Ohtani's knowledge. He altered the registered email address and phone number so that bank employees would call him, not Ohtani, when verifying transactions.<ref name="doj-sentence" />
As his losses mounted into the millions, Mizuhara began stealing from Ohtani to settle his debts. Starting no later than November 2021 and continuing through March 2024, he accessed Ohtani's bank account using his password. He changed the security protocols without Ohtani's knowledge. The registered email address and phone number both got altered, ensuring that bank employees would contact him, not Ohtani, when verifying transactions.<ref name="doj-sentence" />


Mizuhara impersonated Ohtani on approximately 24 phone calls with the bank, using Ohtani's personal identifying information to authorize wire transfers. In total, he stole approximately $16.975 million from Ohtani's account.<ref name="doj-sentence" />
On approximately 24 phone calls with the bank, Mizuhara impersonated Ohtani and used his personal information to authorize wire transfers. Over that time, he stole approximately $16.975 million from Ohtani's account.<ref name="doj-sentence" />


=== Discovery and Termination ===
=== Discovery and Termination ===


The scheme unraveled in March 2024 when federal investigators, following money trails as part of their investigation into Bowyer's illegal gambling operation, discovered the wire transfers from Ohtani's account. On March 20, 2024, the Dodgers fired Mizuhara after Ohtani's representatives accused him of "massive theft." Federal prosecutors made clear from the outset that Ohtani was entirely a victim who had never gambled and had no knowledge of the thefts.<ref name="espn-sentence" />
Everything unraveled in March 2024. Federal investigators were tracking money related to Bowyer's illegal gambling operation when they discovered the wire transfers from Ohtani's account. On March 20, 2024, the Dodgers fired Mizuhara after Ohtani's representatives reported the "massive theft." From the start, federal prosecutors made it clear that Ohtani was purely a victim. He never gambled. He had no knowledge of the thefts.<ref name="espn-sentence" />


== Legal Proceedings ==
== Legal Proceedings ==
Line 61: Line 60:
=== Charges and Guilty Plea ===
=== Charges and Guilty Plea ===


On April 11, 2024, federal prosecutors charged Mizuhara with one count of bank fraud. He turned himself in the following day and was released on $25,000 bond. On June 4, 2024, Mizuhara pleaded guilty to bank fraud and to one count of filing a false tax return, the latter related to his failure to report gambling winnings on his taxes.<ref name="wiki-mizuhara" />
On April 11, 2024, federal prosecutors charged Mizuhara with one count of [[Bank_Fraud|bank fraud]]. He turned himself in the next day and was released on a $25,000 bond. On June 4, 2024, Mizuhara [[Plea_Agreements_and_Trial_Procedures|pleaded guilty]] to bank fraud and to filing a false [[Tax_Evasion|tax return]]. The latter charge related to his failure to report gambling winnings on his taxes.<ref name="wiki-mizuhara" />


=== Sentencing ===
=== Sentencing ===


On February 6, 2025, U.S. District Judge John W. Holcomb sentenced Mizuhara to 57 months in federal prison, slightly below the 63-month term prosecutors had recommended. The judge also ordered Mizuhara to pay $16,975,010 in restitution to Ohtani and $1,149,400 to the IRS, and imposed three years of supervised release.<ref name="doj-sentence" />
U.S. District Judge John W. Holcomb sentenced Mizuhara on February 6, 2025, to 57 months in federal prison. This was slightly below the 63-month term prosecutors had recommended. The judge ordered him to pay $16,975,010 in [[Restitution,_Fines,_and_Forfeiture|restitution]] to Ohtani and $1,149,400 to the IRS, plus three years of [[Supervised_Release|supervised release]].<ref name="doj-sentence" />


At sentencing, prosecutors emphasized the scope of Mizuhara's betrayal. "Let there be no doubt, Mr. Ohtani is truly a victim and has suffered, and will continue to suffer, harm from defendant's conduct," prosecutors stated in court documents.<ref name="nbc-sentence">NBC News, "Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter sentenced to nearly 5 years in gambling-linked theft," February 2025, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/shohei-ohtani-former-interpreter-set-sentenced-gambling-linked-theft-rcna190978.</ref>
At the [[Sentencing_Hearings:_Procedures_and_Considerations|sentencing hearing]], prosecutors didn't hold back. "Let there be no doubt, Mr. Ohtani is truly a victim and has suffered, and will continue to suffer, harm from defendant's conduct," they stated in court documents.<ref name="nbc-sentence">NBC News, "Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter sentenced to nearly 5 years in gambling-linked theft," February 2025, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/shohei-ohtani-former-interpreter-set-sentenced-gambling-linked-theft-rcna190978.</ref>


== Prison Status and Deportation ==
== Prison Status and Deportation ==


Mizuhara was ordered to surrender to federal prison by March 24, 2025. His attorney, Michael G. Freedman, indicated that Mizuhara, a Japanese citizen, is expected to be deported after completing his sentence.<ref name="fox-sentence">Fox LA, "Ippei Mizuhara, Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter, sentenced for stealing millions," February 2025, https://www.foxla.com/news/shohei-ohtani-interpreter-ippei-mizuhara-sentenced.</ref>
Mizuhara was ordered to [[Self-Surrender_Procedures|surrender to federal prison]] by March 24, 2025. His attorney, Michael G. Freedman, said that Mizuhara, a Japanese citizen, is expected to be deported after finishing his sentence.<ref name="fox-sentence">Fox LA, "Ippei Mizuhara, Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter, sentenced for stealing millions," February 2025, https://www.foxla.com/news/shohei-ohtani-interpreter-ippei-mizuhara-sentenced.</ref>


== Terminology ==
== Terminology ==


* '''Bank Fraud''': A federal crime involving a scheme to defraud a financial institution or obtain money from a bank through false pretenses.
* '''[[Bank_Fraud|Bank Fraud]]''': A federal crime involving a scheme to defraud a financial institution or obtain money from a bank through false pretenses.


* '''Wire Transfer''': An electronic transfer of funds from one bank account to another.
* '''[[Wire_Fraud|Wire Transfer]]''': An electronic transfer of funds from one bank account to another.


* '''Problem Gambling''': Gambling behavior that causes harm to the gambler or others, often characterized by loss of control.
* '''Problem Gambling''': Gambling behavior that causes harm to the gambler or others, often characterized by loss of control.


* '''Restitution''': Court-ordered payment to compensate victims for their financial losses.
* '''[[Restitution,_Fines,_and_Forfeiture|Restitution]]''': Court-ordered payment to compensate victims for their financial losses.


== See Also ==
== See Also ==


* [[Mathew_Bowyer|Mathew Bowyer]]
* [[Mathew_Bowyer|Mathew Bowyer]]
* [[Federal_Prison_System/Overview|Overview of the Federal Prison System]]
* [[Bank_Fraud|Bank Fraud]]
* [[Tax_Evasion|Tax Evasion]]
* [[Restitution,_Fines,_and_Forfeiture|Restitution, Fines, and Forfeiture]]
* [[Self-Surrender_Procedures|Self-Surrender Procedures]]
* [[Supervised_Release|Supervised Release]]
* [[Plea_Agreements_and_Trial_Procedures|Plea Agreements and Trial Procedures]]
* [[Federal_Sentencing_Guidelines_and_Offense_Enhancements|Federal Sentencing Guidelines]]
* [[Index_of_Federal_Prison_Facilities|Federal Prison Facilities]]
 
== Frequently Asked Questions ==
{{FAQSection/Start}}
{{FAQ|question=What was Ippei Mizuhara charged with?|answer=Ippei Mizuhara, former interpreter for baseball star Shohei Ohtani, pleaded guilty to bank fraud and filing a false tax return after stealing approximately $17 million from Ohtani to pay gambling debts.}}
{{FAQ|question=How much money did Ippei Mizuhara steal?|answer=Mizuhara stole approximately $17 million from Shohei Ohtani's bank account to pay off debts to an illegal sports bookmaking operation.}}
{{FAQ|question=What was Ippei Mizuhara's sentence?|answer=Mizuhara was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison, ordered to pay over $18 million in restitution, and will likely be deported to Japan after serving his sentence.}}
{{FAQ|question=Did Shohei Ohtani know about the theft?|answer=Federal prosecutors stated that Ohtani was a victim of the fraud and had no knowledge of or involvement in Mizuhara's theft or gambling activities.}}
{{FAQ|question=What was Ippei Mizuhara's gambling problem?|answer=Mizuhara admitted to having a severe gambling addiction, placing at least 19,000 illegal sports bets totaling approximately $325-326 million that resulted in massive debts he covered by stealing from Ohtani.}}
{{FAQSection/End}}


== References ==
== References ==
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[[Category:High-Profile_Federal_Offenders]]
[[Category:High-Profile_Federal_Offenders]]
[[Category:White_Collar_Crime]]
[[Category:White_Collar_Crime]]
<html>
</html>
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Latest revision as of 18:03, 23 April 2026

Ippei Mizuhara
Born: December 31, 1984
Hokkaido, Japan
Charges: Bank fraud, Filing a false tax return
Sentence: 57 months
Facility: Federal prison
Status: Incarcerated

Ippei Mizuhara (born December 31, 1984) is a former Major League Baseball interpreter who was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for stealing nearly $17 million from baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani to cover gambling debts.[1] Mizuhara served as Ohtani's personal interpreter starting in 2017, when Ohtani joined the Los Angeles Angels. He stayed in that role through March 2024, when the Los Angeles Dodgers fired him after discovering the theft. During those years, Mizuhara became one of baseball's most visible figures, appearing at Ohtani's press conferences and games. He even caught for him during the 2021 Home Run Derby.[2] His fall from grace shocked the sports world, exposing both the dangers of gambling addiction and how deeply an athlete can trust the wrong person.

Summary

The Ippei Mizuhara case stunned everyone who followed baseball. How could someone so close to a superstar exploit him so thoroughly? Over roughly two and a half years, Mizuhara placed at least 19,000 bets through an illegal bookmaking operation. He wagered approximately $325 to $326 million on sports events worldwide. His winning bets totaled about $142 million, but his losses exceeded $182 million, leaving him down more than $40 million.[3]

To pay those losses, Mizuhara turned to Ohtani's bank account. He changed the security settings without permission, altering the registered phone number and email address so bank employees would call him instead of Ohtani when verifying transactions. On roughly 24 phone calls with the bank, he impersonated Ohtani and authorized wire transfers. Federal prosecutors were adamant: Ohtani never gambled and had no idea his money was disappearing.[1]

Background

Early Life

Born on December 31, 1984, in Hokkaido, Japan, Mizuhara moved to Southern California with his family in 1991. His father, Hidemasa, worked as a chef there. The family settled in Diamond Bar, a city in eastern Los Angeles County. Mizuhara attended Chaparral Middle School and Diamond Bar High School, graduating in 2003.[4]

As a young immigrant, he struggled with English but eventually became fluent in both English and Japanese. Coaches remembered him as quiet and dependable. He was a backup goalie on the varsity soccer team in high school but didn't play much.[5]

Later, Mizuhara claimed he graduated from the University of California, Riverside in 2007. When the scandal broke in March 2024, the university said they had no record of anyone by that name attending.[6]

Passion for Baseball

He never played baseball himself. Still, watching Hideo Nomo pitch for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1995 changed everything. "I was right in the middle of Nomo Fever," Mizuhara told Sports Illustrated in 2021. After working various jobs, including at a sushi restaurant and for a Japanese sake import company, he decided to become a baseball interpreter.[7]

Career as an Interpreter

In 2013, the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters of Nippon Professional Baseball hired Mizuhara to translate for English-speaking players. Shohei Ohtani had also just joined the Fighters that year. In Japan, Mizuhara's job went far beyond translation. He helped players get work visas, set up bank accounts, and took them to medical appointments.[7]

When Ohtani signed with the Los Angeles Angels in December 2017, the team brought Mizuhara along as his personal interpreter. The two men became inseparable. Mizuhara was at Ohtani's side constantly, appearing at virtually every public event. He even participated in baseball activities with him, throwing during warmups and catching during the 2021 MLB Home Run Derby. During the 2021-22 MLB lockout, Mizuhara resigned temporarily from his Angels position to skirt rules preventing player-team contact. This let him keep working with Ohtani.[4]

When Ohtani signed his record 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers before the 2024 season, Mizuhara came along as his interpreter. Less than three months later, the scandal emerged and ended everything.[2]

The Gambling Scandal

Connection to Illegal Bookmaker

In September 2021, Mizuhara attended a poker game with Los Angeles Angels players and coaches. That's where he met Mathew Bowyer, an illegal bookmaker. Shortly after, Bowyer set up a betting account for Mizuhara on AnyActionSports.com, a Costa Rica-based gambling website Bowyer ran.[3]

Within 30 days, Bowyer knew he had a problem gambler on his hands. Mizuhara bet constantly. Soccer matches in obscure leagues, events around the world, at all hours of the day and night. His average bet was about $12,800. He placed roughly 25 bets every single day.[8]

Stealing from Ohtani

As his losses mounted into the millions, Mizuhara began stealing from Ohtani to settle his debts. Starting no later than November 2021 and continuing through March 2024, he accessed Ohtani's bank account using his password. He changed the security protocols without Ohtani's knowledge. The registered email address and phone number both got altered, ensuring that bank employees would contact him, not Ohtani, when verifying transactions.[1]

On approximately 24 phone calls with the bank, Mizuhara impersonated Ohtani and used his personal information to authorize wire transfers. Over that time, he stole approximately $16.975 million from Ohtani's account.[1]

Discovery and Termination

Everything unraveled in March 2024. Federal investigators were tracking money related to Bowyer's illegal gambling operation when they discovered the wire transfers from Ohtani's account. On March 20, 2024, the Dodgers fired Mizuhara after Ohtani's representatives reported the "massive theft." From the start, federal prosecutors made it clear that Ohtani was purely a victim. He never gambled. He had no knowledge of the thefts.[2]

Charges and Guilty Plea

On April 11, 2024, federal prosecutors charged Mizuhara with one count of bank fraud. He turned himself in the next day and was released on a $25,000 bond. On June 4, 2024, Mizuhara pleaded guilty to bank fraud and to filing a false tax return. The latter charge related to his failure to report gambling winnings on his taxes.[4]

Sentencing

U.S. District Judge John W. Holcomb sentenced Mizuhara on February 6, 2025, to 57 months in federal prison. This was slightly below the 63-month term prosecutors had recommended. The judge ordered him to pay $16,975,010 in restitution to Ohtani and $1,149,400 to the IRS, plus three years of supervised release.[1]

At the sentencing hearing, prosecutors didn't hold back. "Let there be no doubt, Mr. Ohtani is truly a victim and has suffered, and will continue to suffer, harm from defendant's conduct," they stated in court documents.[9]

Prison Status and Deportation

Mizuhara was ordered to surrender to federal prison by March 24, 2025. His attorney, Michael G. Freedman, said that Mizuhara, a Japanese citizen, is expected to be deported after finishing his sentence.[10]

Terminology

  • Bank Fraud: A federal crime involving a scheme to defraud a financial institution or obtain money from a bank through false pretenses.
  • Wire Transfer: An electronic transfer of funds from one bank account to another.
  • Problem Gambling: Gambling behavior that causes harm to the gambler or others, often characterized by loss of control.
  • Restitution: Court-ordered payment to compensate victims for their financial losses.

See Also

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What was Ippei Mizuhara charged with?

Ippei Mizuhara, former interpreter for baseball star Shohei Ohtani, pleaded guilty to bank fraud and filing a false tax return after stealing approximately $17 million from Ohtani to pay gambling debts.


Q: How much money did Ippei Mizuhara steal?

Mizuhara stole approximately $17 million from Shohei Ohtani's bank account to pay off debts to an illegal sports bookmaking operation.


Q: What was Ippei Mizuhara's sentence?

Mizuhara was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison, ordered to pay over $18 million in restitution, and will likely be deported to Japan after serving his sentence.


Q: Did Shohei Ohtani know about the theft?

Federal prosecutors stated that Ohtani was a victim of the fraud and had no knowledge of or involvement in Mizuhara's theft or gambling activities.


Q: What was Ippei Mizuhara's gambling problem?

Mizuhara admitted to having a severe gambling addiction, placing at least 19,000 illegal sports bets totaling approximately $325-326 million that resulted in massive debts he covered by stealing from Ohtani.


References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 U.S. Department of Justice, "Former Interpreter Sentenced to Nearly 5 Years in Prison for Illegally Transferring Nearly $17 Million from Baseball Star's Bank Account," February 2025, https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca/pr/former-interpreter-sentenced-nearly-5-years-prison-illegally-transferring-nearly-17.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 ESPN, "Ippei Mizuhara sentenced to 57 months for stealing from Shohei Ohtani," February 2025, https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/43721275/mizuhara-sentenced-57-months-prison-ohtani-fraud.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 CBS Sports, "Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, sentenced to 57 months in prison and must pay $18.1M," February 2025, https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/shohei-ohtanis-former-interpreter-ippei-mizuhara-sentenced-to-57-months-in-prison-and-must-pay-18-1m/.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Wikipedia, "Ippei Mizuhara," https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ippei_Mizuhara.
  5. ↑ NBC News, "Who is Shohei Ohtani's interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara? Everything we know," 2024, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/sports/shohei-ohtani-interpreter-ippei-mizuhara-everything-know-rcna144445.
  6. ↑ Yahoo News, "The mysterious life — and questionable claims — of Shohei Ohtani's interpreter," 2024, https://www.yahoo.com/news/mysterious-life-questionable-claims-shohei-100045490.html.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 ESPN, "How interpreter Ippei Mizuhara became players' lifeline," 2024, https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/39963548/shohei-ohtani-interpreter-ippei-mizuhara-american-players-japan-gambling-scandal.
  8. ↑ IRS, "Former interpreter sentenced to nearly 5 years in prison for illegally transferring nearly $17 million from baseball star's bank account," February 2025, https://www.irs.gov/compliance/criminal-investigation/former-interpreter-sentenced-to-nearly-5-years-in-prison-for-illegally-transferring-nearly-17-million-from-baseball-stars-bank-account.
  9. ↑ NBC News, "Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter sentenced to nearly 5 years in gambling-linked theft," February 2025, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/shohei-ohtani-former-interpreter-set-sentenced-gambling-linked-theft-rcna190978.
  10. ↑ Fox LA, "Ippei Mizuhara, Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter, sentenced for stealing millions," February 2025, https://www.foxla.com/news/shohei-ohtani-interpreter-ippei-mizuhara-sentenced.


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