The 8 wildest revelations from the criminal complaint against Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter

Last month, news broke of a major incident involving professional baseball’s biggest star, Shohei Otani, and illegal gambling, but it was difficult to imagine that such an explosive incident would occur in the sports world this year. Initial details were confusing and vague, but the truth emerged within weeks as MLB and the federal government began separate investigations. Today, federal prosecutors officially announced bank fraud charges against Ippei Mizuhara, who served as Otani’s interpreter.Complaints found hereBut here are the eight most shocking facts revealed in the 32-page document:

Otani hired Mizuhara as an interpreter, but he became the de facto director.

Investigators said in the complaint that in addition to acting as an interpreter, Mizuhara basically worked as Shohei Otani’s assistant, giving him a ride and helping him with personal work. In 2018, Mizuhara accompanied Ohtani as an interpreter and helped him open an MLB salary account. This detail provides answers as to how Mizuhara was able to access Otani’s bank account and initiate wire transfers without anyone knowing.

Mr. Mizuhara made approximately 19,000 bets in just over two years.

Records obtained from illegal sportsbooks that Mizuhara worked on in almost every detail Twenty thousand Simple math shows that Mizuhara placed about 25 bets per day, or at least one bet per hour, over a two-year period.

Mr. Mizuhara was very deep. deep in the hole

Initial interactions between Suwon and illegal sportsbooks are generally light-hearted. In November 2022, he sent the following message: lol . . . Is there a possibility that we will collide again? You know, you don’t have to worry about me not paying!!” But by December 2023, the tone had changed significantly. . . I promise, I don’t mean to disrespect you at all. . . It was very, very busy. . . There are other issues going on as well. ”

Although the total amount of the bet was not disclosed (assuming Mr. Mizuhara wagered his own funds and was supplemented with funds from Mr. Ohtani’s account), the document states that the winnings and losses totaled $182,935,206.68. Of this amount, it is detailed that the amount was $142,256,769.74, meaning that Mr. Mizuhara lost. $40 million In the red.

Ippei Mizuhara pretends to be Shohei Otani, calls bank, changes bank account contact information to his own

The indictment includes dozens of text messages detailing Mizuhara’s difficulties in transferring large sums of money to illegal bookselling companies. In February 2022, Mizuhara called Otani’s bank and initiated a $300,000 wire transfer pretending to be Otani. The call was recorded, and investigators say they recognize Mizuhara’s voice and humorous details in the recording. [Shohei Ohtani] The caller spoke fluent English, but he didn’t speak English fluently. ”

Mizuhara also siphoned off money from Otani by logging into the bank account in question multiple times from his mobile phone, changing the contact email address to a burner account he owns, and turning off notifications. It appears that the traces were covered up.

Things got scary when bookmakers started getting anxious about debt.

For several years, Mizuhara’s relationship with his bookmakers appeared to be good, as he regularly deposited large sums of money into their pockets. But by his 2023 last year, the debt had ballooned and they grew impatient. In November 2023, one of them sent Mizuhara a text message that read: I don’t know why you won’t return my calls.I’m here in Newport Beach and you know [Shohei Ohtani] While walking his dog. I’m going to go and talk to him and ask him how I can contact him since he hasn’t responded. ”

In January, the messages became more serious: “You’re pushing me into a situation that’s about to get out of control. If you don’t hear from me by the end of today, [sic] Please leave my hand. ” The hint of danger, coupled with the revelation that the sportsbook not only knew about Mizuhara and Ohtani’s relationship, but may have been tracking Ohtani, shows how close to danger this situation was.

Mizuhara used Otani’s language barrier as a weapon

The complaint details multiple conversations with Ohtani’s agents, financial advisors, and Ohtani himself. They all say they knew of, but were not authorized to access, the bank accounts involved in the gambling scandal. Mr. Mizuhara repeatedly lied that Mr. Otani insisted that the accounts be kept secret, despite concerns from his staff that all of Mr. Otani’s assets were not included in his tax liability. Ta. Apparently, no one questioned this or asked Ohtani directly about the account.

Shohei Otani agreed to let the agent inspect the device, and it was returned safely.

As the investigation progressed, investigators requested access to Shohei Otani’s phone. They searched approximately 10,000 pages of text messages between Ohtani and Ippei Mizuhara and found that there was “no discussion of sports betting…by the bookkeeper…of odds, betting, or anything that might suggest that.” There are other references. [Ohtani’s] Knowledge of gambling in Suwon. Additionally, a digital forensic search did not uncover any log-ins from Ohtani’s device to the aforementioned bank accounts, searches for problem gambling sites, or texts discussing sports betting.

The walls were closing in and Mizuhara was furious.

In March, Mizuhara and his book staff realized something. LA Times article It’s written about his gambling. On March 17, one of the bookmakers texted Mizuhara: “Do you think there’s a way to find out the details of the article that will be published in the LA Times?”

Three days later, the story broke while Ohtani and the Dodgers were playing a preseason game in Seoul. According to the complaint, this is what happened.

“After the game, [Ohtani’s] The team leaders gathered in the locker room and greeted the players, followed by Mizuhara who greeted the entire team in English.No one translated what was said at this meeting. [Ohtani]I could barely understand what was said in English, [Ohtani] I understand that there was a problem in Suwon. After the team meeting, [Ohtani] When I asked Mizuhara what the problem was, she said: [Ohtani] They said they needed to speak privately. ”

On the same day, Mizuhara told one of the bookkeepers, “Technically speaking, I stole from him. It’s over for me.”

Felony bank fraud charges carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. Defendant Mizuhara is expected to appear in court soon.