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The embezzled amount by Ippei Mizuhara, former interpreter of Shohei Ohtani (LA Dodgers), amounts to approximately $16 million, causing shock.
Multiple media outlets, including USA Today, reported on the 12th (Korean time), “Mizuhara has been indicted on charges of embezzling $16 million from Ohtani”.
Previously, Mizuhara was known to have embezzled about $4.5 million, but Prosecutor Martin Estrada revealed at a press conference that he embezzled about $16 million.
Prosecutor Estrada stated, “Ohtani is the victim in this case. There is no evidence that Ohtani approved more than $16 million transfers from his account to a bookmaker (gambling company).”
He added, “Mizuhara refused to grant access to Ohtani’s bank account to other professional advisers of Ohtani, including agents, accountants, and financial advisers. Ohtani expressed his desire to keep the account confidential.”
Ohtani also submitted his mobile phone and other items to law enforcement agencies for investigation. They found no evidence that Ohtani knew about or was involved in Mizuhara’s illegal gambling or embezzlement.
Prosecutor Estrada said, “Mizuhara had access to the account due to the trust relationship with Ohtani,” adding, “Mizuhara exploited and abused that trust to take advantage of Ohtani.”
Furthermore, Mizuhara was found to have purchased over 1,000 baseball cards worth approximately $320,000.
According to federal guidelines, Mizuhara could face up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million if convicted.
Meanwhile, Prosecutor Estrada added, “It doesn’t seem like Mizuhara bet on baseball.”
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