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Former Shohei Ohtani Interpreter Sentenced to Nearly Five Years for Fraud, Gambling Scheme

Posted : 07 February 2025

Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter for Shohei Ohtani, has been sentenced to nearly five years in prison for a fraudulent scheme that stole nearly $17 million from the baseball star. Mizuhara, who had served as Ohtani’s translator since 2018, was caught using the stolen funds to pay off gambling debts.
 

He was also ordered to pay back the stolen amount and an additional $1 million in taxes owed to the US Internal Revenue Service. The scheme was uncovered after Ohtani’s finances were investigated following media reports about Mizuhara’s gambling activities.
 

Mizuhara had falsely claimed that Ohtani was aware of his gambling addiction and had loaned him money, a statement Ohtani later clarified as a lie. The fraud threatened to tarnish Ohtani’s reputation and derail his career, as the Major League Baseball (MLB) has strict rules against gambling. Mizuhara pleaded guilty to bank and tax fraud charges and apologized in court for his actions, acknowledging the severe impact his crimes had on Ohtani’s life.
 

In addition to the stolen funds, Mizuhara used part of Ohtani’s money to purchase autographed baseball cards valued at $325,000. These cards were intended for resale, but Ohtani has since petitioned for their recovery.
 

 Mizuhara also falsified his 2022 tax return, underreporting over $4 million in income from his illicit activities, resulting in further financial penalties. The sentencing was delayed multiple times, and Mizuhara's legal team sought leniency, citing his gambling addiction and cooperation with authorities.
 

Mizuhara will serve a 57-month sentence, after which he will be placed on probation, which includes drug and alcohol testing. Born in Japan, Mizuhara could face deportation after serving his sentence. His sentencing date had been postponed to allow for a psychiatric evaluation of his gambling addiction. Outside the courthouse, his attorney declined to comment on whether he would appeal the ruling.

 

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