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Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter and close associate of MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani, has been sentenced to 57 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to bank and tax fraud in June 2024.

Mizuhara, once a trusted figure within Ohtani’s inner circle, admitted to stealing more than $17 million from the three-time American League MVP by manipulating banking security protocols and impersonating Ohtani to authorize unauthorized wire transfers. His conviction marks the culmination of an extensive investigation into his financial misconduct and gambling addiction, which first came to light in early 2024.

How Mizuhara Stole Millions from Ohtani

The scandal first surfaced in March 2024, when ESPN broke the story detailing Mizuhara’s involvement in illegal gambling and financial fraud. He was immediately fired from the Los Angeles Dodgers organization, and federal authorities launched a criminal investigation into his activities.

According to court documents, Mizuhara:

• Altered banking security protocols to gain control over Ohtani’s personal accounts.
• Impersonated Ohtani to authorize transfers and withdrawals.
• Used the stolen funds to cover gambling debts and personal expenses.
• Spent approximately $325,000 on sports cards, which he intended to resell for profit.

Authorities determined that Mizuhara had no authorization from Ohtani to make these financial transactions, leading to federal charges of bank fraud, identity theft, and tax evasion.

Ohtani Recovers Stolen Sports Cards

Among the stolen funds, a portion was used to purchase high-end sports cards, including memorabilia featuring Ohtani, Yogi Berra, and Juan Soto. Mizuhara allegedly acquired these cards through eBay and Whatnot, with the intention of flipping them for profit.

In November 2024, Ohtani filed a petition in federal court to reclaim ownership of these stolen assets. The judge ruled in his favor the following month, awarding him full legal possession of the sports cards.

Sentencing and Legal Consequences

As part of his sentencing, Mizuhara has been ordered to:

• Serve 57 months (nearly five years) in federal prison.
• Repay Ohtani $17 million in restitution.
• Pay an additional $1.1 million to the IRS for unpaid taxes.
• Serve three years of supervised release following his prison term.

As a Japanese national, Mizuhara may also face deportation proceedings once he has completed his sentence.

Impact on Ohtani and the MLB Community

The scandal surrounding Mizuhara’s fraud and gambling addiction sent shockwaves through Major League Baseball, raising concerns about financial security and player vulnerability. Ohtani, who is known for his reserved personality and professionalism, has largely refrained from discussing the case in detail. However, the fallout has led to increased awareness and scrutiny regarding the financial management of high-profile athletes.

While Mizuhara’s sentencing brings a legal resolution to the case, the broader implications of this high-profile fraud continue to resonate throughout the sports and collectibles industries.