Ohtani interpreter charged with stealing over $16m from baseball star

US officials have charged the long-time interpreter of baseball sensation Shohei Ohtani with stealing millions of dollars from the star.

Ippei Mizuhara was fired last month when the reported theft came to light. He is alleged to have used Ohtani’s money for gambling and reportedly wired over $16m without permission.

Prosecutors say he took advantage of Ohtani not speaking English.

The lead prosecutor in California accused Mizuhara of impersonating the baseball star to banks and to place wagers.

“Mr Ohtani is considered a victim in this case,” US Attorney Martin Estrada told reporters at a news conference in Los Angeles on Thursday.

Prosecutors claim he used the money to place bets and deposited his winnings into an account that he controlled. 

Between November 2021 and January 2024, he wired more than $16m in unauthorised transfers from Ohtani’s account. 

“Mr Mizuhara did all this to feed his insatiable appetite for illegal sports gambling,” Mr Estrada said.

An LA-based defence lawyer representing Mizuhara declined to comment on the charges on Thursday.