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

Prosecutors say Ippei Mizhuara impersonated the baseball star to banks to steal millions for betting from Ohtani.

17 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Ippei Mizuhara had been a constant companion of Shohei Ohtani since the baseball star began his stint in the USBy Max MatzaBBC NewsUS officials have charged baseball sensation Shohei Ohtani's long-time interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, with stealing millions from the sports star.

The lead prosecutor in California accused Mr Mizuhara of impersonating Mr Ohtani 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.

Mr Mizuhara, 39, was fired last month as news of the alleged theft emerged.

Prosecutors claim that the interpreter used Mr Ohtani's money to place bets and deposited his winnings into an account that he controlled.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68794204

---