Shohei Ohtani's representatives declined to comment regarding which government authorities they reported what they say is a theft of $4.5 million by the two-way star's former confidant and interpreter Ippei Mizuhara, ESPN reported on Tuesday.
The Department of Homeland Security did tell ESPN that it was working with the IRS on an investigation into Mizuhara and whether he embezzled the funds to repay sports gambling losses to bookmaker Mathew Bowyer.
ESPN added that it received no confirmation from any relevant local, state or federal agencies that has the power to investigate allegations that Mizuhara stole the money in question.
The bookmaker Bowyer is associated with an illegal gambling ring run by former minor leaguer Wayne Nix, who pled guilty to charges in 2022. The former clients that were interrogated or otherwise charged for their part in the ring include LeBron James' manager Maverick Carter and former All-Star Yasiel Puig.
Sports Handle reported last week that authorities have been investigating Bowyer for the better part of five years.
Mizuhara had been closely linked with Ohtani, spending nearly every waking second with the superstar since the two met in Japan when Ohtani was just an 18-year-old rookie.
The Dodgers star's former interpreter played a role in crucial decisions about Ohtani's career and accompanied Ohtani to most events throughout the season.
ESPN reported last week that a spokesperson for Ohtani initially told them that the two-time MVP willingly paid Mizuhara’s debts as a friend, a claim Mizuhara reaffirmed in a 90-minute interview with the outlet.
Then, on Wednesday, Ohtani’s spokesperson denied Mizuhara’s account.
“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,” the law firm representing Ohtani, Berk Brettler, said in a statement.
Mizuhara has since been fired by the Dodgers amid the turmoil.
