Shohei Ohtani's Interpreter Sentenced for $17 Million Theft and Tax Fraud

Ippei Mizuhara, Ohtani’s trusted interpreter, received a five-year prison sentence for embezzlement and gambling-related fraud.

Ippei Mizuhara, Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter, was convicted of stealing nearly $17 million from the MLB star and sentenced to 57 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
Mizuhara was also ordered to pay $18 million in restitution, including $1 million to the IRS for unpaid taxes on the stolen money.
The theft was linked to Mizuhara's gambling debts and dealings with an illegal bookmaker in Southern California, which he concealed by impersonating Ohtani in financial transactions.
MLB insider Ken Rosenthal emphasized that there is no evidence of Ohtani’s involvement in the crimes, confirming the player was an unwitting victim of Mizuhara’s actions.
Ohtani expressed sadness over the betrayal by Mizuhara, who had been a close friend and confidant, managing both his finances and daily activities prior to the scandal.