A four-minute audio recording was disclosed by federal prosecutors that shows Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, allegedly attempting to push through a six-figure wire transfer from one of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ star’s accounts by impersonating him.
Mizuhara has been convicted of defrauding Ohtani, the National League MVP and world baseball superstar, and the recording is a key piece of evidence. It was obtained from a bank and supports prosecutors’ claims that Mizuhara would call banks to arrange wire transfers.
In the recording, Mizuhara clearly states his name is Ohtani after the bank agent asks, “Who am I speaking with?” Mizuhara bypassed the bank’s security measures and changed Ohtani’s account information to include his own email and phone number.
The recording shows Mizuhara matching the numbers, which allows the agent to work on his request, a car loan for $200,000. Mizuhara said he stole from Ohtani to cover “major gambling debt,” which he said in a brief statement after pleading guilty.
Prosecutors are seeking restitution of nearly $17 million for Ohtani, although it was noted Mizuhara is unable to pay that back to the All-Star. Another $1.1 million in restitution is being sought by the IRS.
Mizuhara pleaded guilty to bank fraud and filing a false tax return after stealing almost $17 million from Ohtani, who he was best friends with for years. He is scheduled to be sentenced on February 6.
Ohtani released a statement on the matter, saying he is “beyond shocked” and “saddened and shocked that someone who I trusted has done this.”
