Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara turns himself in after being accused of stealing over $16m

He is reportedly in federal custody

Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani walks with interpreter Ippei MizuharaCarolyn KasterAP

Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter of Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, has turned himself into federal authorities.

The move comes one day after he was charged with bank fraud and accused of stealing over $16 million from the MLB star as per ESPN.

Here was the interaction between Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani and his translator MizuharaTikTok

The revelations have come as a shock to many as Mizuhara was Ohtani’s close friend, having worked together since 2017.

However, that is now in the past as Mizuhara faces charges over his gambling ways given sports betting is illegal in California and he is accused of using illegal bookmakers to make bets.

As of Friday afternoon Mizuhara is in federal custody and is schedule to appear in a Los Angeles court at 1 p.m. PT.

Ohtani and Mizuhara’s relationship

Mizuhara and Ohtani began working together after the hitter/pitcher joined the Los Angeles Angels as a free agent back in December 2017.

Since then Ohtani has left the Angels and joined the Dodgers, putting pen to paper on a 10-yeaer, $700 million contract in December 2023.

However their relationship has now been overshadowed by Mizuhara and his alleged illegal gambling.

According to the federal complaint filed on Thursday, Mizuhara once texted his bookie “I’m terrible at this sport betting thing huh? Lol”.

Another text came to light as well, with Mizuhara essentially admitting his crime: “Technically I did steal from him, it’s all over for me”.

Mizuhara is alleged to have lost over $40m over the years. He has since been fired from his position.