Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers star known for his outstanding performance during the 2026 Major League Baseball season, was previously embroiled in a significant fraud scandal involving his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara. Mizuhara, who served as Ohtani’s interpreter since the player’s MLB debut in 2018, was dismissed by the Dodgers in March 2024 following revelations of bank fraud and illegal sports gambling activities.

The case came to light during the Dodgers’ season-opening series in Seoul, South Korea, when allegations emerged that Mizuhara had been impersonating Ohtani to authorize unauthorized wire transfers. Audio recordings released as part of an ESPN “30 for 30 Podcast” series titled “The Betrayal of Shohei Ohtani” include a conversation in which Mizuhara, posing as Ohtani, instructs a Bank of America employee to process a $200,000 transfer to the account of Mathew Bowyer.

Bowyer, a Southern California bookmaker, was identified as a primary recipient of millions of dollars diverted from Ohtani via these illicit transactions. Mizuhara’s fraudulent actions were uncovered during a federal investigation, which found that he had been stealing funds and wagering illegally using Ohtani’s identity. Mizuhara subsequently pleaded guilty to bank fraud and filing false tax returns.

Following the investigation, Major League Baseball cleared Ohtani of any involvement in illegal gambling or fraud, affirming his status as a victim in the case. Mizuhara received a sentence of 57 months in federal prison. MLB’s internal inquiry into the matter concluded in June 2024.

Despite the scandal, Ohtani has maintained his standing as a prominent figure in baseball worldwide. The Dodgers, with Ohtani playing a crucial role, are aiming for their third straight World Series championship in the ongoing season. The controversy remains a cautionary tale about the vulnerabilities athletes may face from those in close personal and professional circles.