A nearly four-minute audio clip has emerged, allegedly featuring Ippei Mizuhara, Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter, imitating the baseball star during a phone conversation with a bank. In this call, he was attempting to transfer $200,000 for what he claimed was a car loan, as outlined by federal prosecutors on Thursday.
The audio, referenced in a court document, supports prosecutors’ request for a nearly five-year prison sentence for Mizuhara, who has already pled guilty to bank and tax fraud after stealing approximately $17 million from the Los Angeles Dodgers superstar. They are also demanding that he repay the full stolen amount to Ohtani, in addition to more than $1 million in penalties to the IRS.
Mizuhara’s sentencing is scheduled for February 6, following his pleas of guilt on one count of bank fraud and another for filing a false tax return. His legal representative, Michael G. Freedman, has not provided any comments in response to requests for a statement.
In the recorded conversation, a man, purporting to be Ohtani, states that he was unable to access his online banking. He later confirms the transaction amount of $200,000. When a bank representative inquires about the nature of the transaction, he describes it as a loan for a car. “What is your relationship to the payee?” the bank employee asks, to which he responds, “Um, he’s my friend.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeff Mitchell noted that the recording was acquired from the bank, though the exact date of the call remains unknown. Towards the conclusion of the conversation, the bank representative inquires, “Will there be any future wires to your friend?” to which the man replies, “Possibly.” This recording was originally reported by The Athletic.
According to the legal documents, Mizuhara began accessing Ohtani’s financial account in approximately November 2021, modifying the security settings to facilitate his impersonation of the player for wire transfers. By 2024, he allegedly utilized these funds to purchase around $325,000 worth of baseball cards through online platforms such as eBay and Whatnot.
In June, Mizuhara admitted to diverting large sums from Ohtani’s bank account in Arizona to finance his escalating gambling debts and bets through an illegal bookmaker. These funds also covered medical expenses and contributed to the purchase of the baseball cards.
Mizuhara was present for many key moments in Ohtani’s career, including being the catcher during the Home Run Derby at the 2021 All-Star Game. He also witnessed Ohtani’s two American League MVP victories and his significant $700 million, 10-year contract with the Dodgers. Off the field, Mizuhara established a friendship with Ohtani, becoming a trusted confidante.
He notably resigned from his position with the Los Angeles Angels during the MLB lockout in 2021 to maintain communication with Ohtani, and was subsequently rehired after a resolution was reached. Their personal lives seemed intertwined, with reports suggesting that their wives socialized as well.
However, Mizuhara’s gambling activities led him astray, as he reportedly wagered tens of millions of dollars on international soccer, the NBA, NFL, and college football—all funds that were not his to gamble. Prosecutors have indicated, however, that he did not place bets on baseball.
