Ippei Mizuhara, Bank Fraud, California 2024

LOS ANGELES – Ippei Mizuhara, 39, of Newport Beach, is facing serious time after agreeing to plead guilty to a massive bank fraud scheme and tax evasion. The former interpreter for MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani illegally siphoned nearly $17 million from Ohtani’s bank account to fuel a crippling gambling addiction and cover debts owed to an illegal bookmaking operation. The Justice Department announced the plea agreement today, detailing a brazen betrayal of trust that exploited a language barrier for personal gain.

According to court documents, Mizuhara, who served as Ohtani’s translator and de facto manager, began placing sports bets in September 2021. The bets quickly turned sour, leaving him deeply in debt. Instead of facing the consequences, Mizuhara launched a calculated scheme to defraud Ohtani’s bank, exploiting his access to the player’s accounts. He began by changing the account’s security protocols – the registered email address and phone number – ensuring that all verification calls regarding wire transfers went directly to him, cutting Ohtani out of the loop.

The fraud unfolded between November 2021 and March 2024. Mizuhara used Ohtani’s password to access the account and, posing as the baseball star, authorized numerous unauthorized wire transfers. The scheme was meticulously planned, leveraging Mizuhara’s position of trust and Ohtani’s limited English proficiency. He’d accompanied Ohtani to open the account in Phoenix in 2018, intercepting crucial login information. This wasn’t just theft; it was a calculated manipulation of a vulnerable situation.

“The extent of this defendant’s deception and theft is massive,” stated United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “He took advantage of his position of trust to take advantage of Mr. Ohtani and fuel a dangerous gambling habit. My office is committed to vindicating victims throughout our community and ensuring that wrongdoers face justice.” The investigation, a joint effort between the Justice Department and Homeland Security Investigations, revealed not only the theft from Ohtani but also that Mizuhara had lied to the IRS about his income, further compounding his criminal activity.

Mizuhara has agreed to plead guilty to one count of bank fraud, a charge carrying a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison. He also faces up to three years behind bars for subscribing to a false tax return. His arraignment is scheduled for May 14 in United States District Court. Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher of IRS Criminal Investigation, Los Angeles Field Office, emphasized that Mizuhara “exploited his relationship with Mr. Ohtani to bankroll his own irresponsibility,” and that the IRS is dedicated to rectifying the situation for victims.

HSI Los Angeles Special Agent Eddy Wang highlighted the significance of the case, stating it “highlights the threat posed by financial crimes in the Los Angeles-area.” The El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force, led by HSI, is working to protect all victims of financial fraud. This case serves as a stark reminder that even those in positions of trust are not above the law, and that exploiting relationships for personal gain will be met with swift and decisive justice. The full extent of Mizuhara’s gambling debts and the illegal bookmaking operation remain under investigation.

MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS

White Collar Crime

Robert M. Richardson, Negligent Violation of the Clean Water Act, South Carolina 2006

Feb 27, 2006

White Collar Crime

Calder Leroux, Wire Fraud, New York 2014

Jan 15, 2014

White Collar Crime

Peters Sylvester, Wire Fraud, New York 2002

Jan 15, 2002

White Collar Crime

W. Scott Harkonen, Wire Fraud, California 2009

Apr 14, 2011