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Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is taking legal action to recover $325,000 worth of baseball cards allegedly purchased using his money by his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara.
According to court filings obtained by The Athletic, Ohtani claims Mizuhara fraudulently accessed his bank s and used the funds to acquire rare cards, including autographed collectibles featuring Ohtani himself.
Ohtani demands return of baseball cards
Mizuhara, once a trusted member of Ohtani's inner circle, pleaded guilty in June to bank and tax fraud involving the theft of nearly $17 million from Ohtani's s.
Prosecutors revealed that Mizuhara's gambling addiction fueled the theft, with his average daily wagers reaching $12,800 between December 2021 and January 2024.
His gambling debts, coupled with significant losses totaling over $40 million, led to unauthorized purchases, including the high-value baseball cards.
Court documents outline how Mizuhara allegedly altered Ohtani's security protocols in November 2021, enabling him to impersonate the two-way sensation and authorize wire transfers.
By the time the scheme unraveled in early 2024, Mizuhara had spent hundreds of thousands on online platforms such as eBay and Whatnot.
Ohtani now seeks the return of these cards, citing their wrongful possession.
Mizuhara's legal troubles extend beyond the baseball card purchases.
He faces sentencing in January for bank fraud and filing a false tax return-charges carrying a combined potential sentence of more than 30 years in federal prison.
He also risks deportation to Japan and could be required to repay Ohtani and the IRS over $18 million in restitution.
This legal battle marks a stark contrast to Mizuhara's previous role in Ohtani's career.
He was by Ohtani's side during pivotal moments, from the 2021 Home Run Derby to Ohtani's record-breaking $700 million contract with the Dodgers.
Despite Mizuhara's scam, Ohtani has maintained his focus on the field, leading the Dodgers to a World Series victory and securing his third MVP award after a historic season.