Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter, who pleaded guilty last year to bank fraud and falsifying tax returns, was caught on tape posing as the Los Angeles Dodgers superstar during a phone call with a bank representative.
Former fan favorite Ippei Mizuhara, who admitted in court to stealing as much as $17 million from Ohtani, impersonated the three-time MVP on the phone.
The audio recording was obtained by The Athletic from the Department of Justice.
In this courtroom sketch, Ippei Mizuhara, former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, appears in federal court in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. Mizuhara on Tuesday pleaded guilty to bank fraud and tax evasion and admitted to committing theft. $17 million from Japanese baseball players to pay off sports gambling debts. (Bill Robles, via AP)
After the agent asked who he was talking to, Mizuhara answered, “I’m Shohei Otani.”
Mizuhara then pretends to be Otani and says he is inquiring about an attempt to send money a few days ago. The agent then goes through an authentication process before asking you the purpose of the transfer.
“It’s for the car loan,” Mizuhara replied.
The wire transfer that Mizuhara tried to push through was for $200,000.
Mizuhara is scheduled to be sentenced on February 6th.
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