Bookie Connected to Ohtani Translator on Feds Radar for Years
The Los Angeles Dodgers interpreter for Shohei Ohtani was fired Wednesday afternoon after questions surrounding at least $4.5 million in wire transfers sent from Ohtani's bank account to a bookmaking operation set off a series of events.
Ohtani’s interpreter and close friend, Ippei Mizuhara, 39, was fired by the Los Angeles Dodgers following allegations of illegal gambling and the "massive theft" on Wednesday. We didn't know at the time just how "massive" that theft was.
Mizuhara reportedly racked up debts of at least $4.5 million. Ohtani is not the believed to be the subject of a federal investigation.
We are also learning more about the bookmaker at the center of the scandal, one Matt Bowyer. He has reportedly been under the watchful eye of the Feds over the last five years.
$4.5 million, the exact amount of Mizuhara's debt, was sent from Ohtani’s account to Bowyer, an alleged bookie based in San Juan Capistrano.
“In the course of responding to recent media inquiries, we discovered that Shohei has been the victim of a massive theft and we are turning the matter over to the authorities,” law firm Berk Brettler LLP said in a statement Wednesday.
The Dodgers said in a statement they were “aware of media reports and are gathering information.
“The team can confirm that interpreter Ippei Mizuhara has been terminated,” the statement said. “The team has no further comment at this time.”
- Jagajeet Chiba, Gambling911.com
