Shohei Ohtani Seeks Return of Baseball Cards Allegedly Bought with Stolen Funds
Former Interpreter Accused of Fraud and Betrayal
Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani is demanding the return of hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of baseball cards he says were purchased with money stolen from him by his former interpreter.
Legal documents filed Tuesday allege that Ippei Mizuhara, who previously pleaded guilty to bank and tax fraud for stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani, used that embezzled money to buy almost $325,000 worth of baseball cards online. Ohtani is seeking the return of those cards, as well as signed collectible cards depicting himself that he alleges were in Mizuhara’s “unauthorized and wrongful possession.”
The legal action follows Mizuhara’s admission of guilt in June for spending millions from Ohtani’s Arizona bank account. These funds covered a growing mountain of gambling debts owed to an illegal bookmaker, as well as Mizuhara’s own medical expenses and the aforementioned baseball card purchases.
“>Mizuhara faces a potential sentence of more than 30 years in federal prison for the financial crimes, in addition to potential restitution to Ohtani estimated at nearly $17 million and more than $1 million to the IRS.
As a legal permanent resident holding a green card, Mizuhara could also face deportation to Japan.
From Trusted Confidante to Accused Criminal
Mizuhara was more than just Ohtani’s interpreter. He was a close friend and confidant, standing by Ohtani’s side for many career milestones. He served as Ohtani’s catcher during the 2021 All-Star Game’s Home Run Derby and was present for Ohtani’s two American League MVP wins and his record-breaking $700 million, 10-year contract with the Dodgers.
Their relationship went beyond the professional. Mizuhara famously resigned from the Los Angeles Angels during the 2021 MLB lockout to maintain contact with Ohtani. He was rehired once a deal was reached, further exemplifying their close bond. The wives of the two men reportedly socialized, underscoring the depth of their friendship.
“He was more than just an interpreter,” a source close to Ohtani said, speaking on the condition of anonymity. “He was Shohei’s go-to guy for just about everything.”
Mizuhara’s alleged actions have shattered that trust and left Ohtani reeling.
A Betrayal Fueled by Gambling
Prosecutors say Mizuhara’s crimes stem from a crippling gambling addiction. He poured tens of millions of dollars that didn’t belong to him into wagering on international soccer, the NBA, the NFL, and college football.
Ironically, he never placed bets on baseball.
Mizuhara’s attorney, Michael G. Freedman, declined to comment on the latest developments in the case.
In
January, Mizuhara will face sentencing in federal court, where the consequences of his actions will be determined.
What legal arguments can Shohei Ohtani use to reclaim the baseball cards allegedly purchased with stolen funds?
## Interview: Shohei Ohtani’s Stolen Cards
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Joining us today is sports memorabilia expert, David Smith, to discuss the bombshell legal case involving Shohei Ohtani and his former interpreter. David, shocking news this week as we learned Ohtani is trying to recover hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of baseball cards allegedly bought with stolen funds. Can you shed some light on this situation?
**David Smith:** Absolutely. This is a truly remarkable story with implications beyond just the world of sports. As you mentioned, Shohei Ohtani is seeking the return of nearly $325,000 worth of baseball cards, plus signed memorabilia, that his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, allegedly bought with money he embezzled from Ohtani. [[1](https://www.sportscardinvestor.com/subjects/shohei-ohtani-baseball)] Mizuhara had pleaded guilty to stealing almost $17 million in total.
**Host:** So, what kind of cards are we talking about here?
**David Smith:** Based on reports and Ohtani’s incredibly high profile in the world of baseball, we can speculate these are likely high-value rookie cards, limited edition sets, and autographed cards. The fact that Ohtani is specifically seeking signed collectibles implies these hold personal significance to him.
**Host:** This raises some interesting questions about the legality of acquiring these items with stolen funds. What are the implications here?
**David Smith:** This situation highlights the complexities of asset recovery in cases of financial crime. Even though Mizuhara purchased the cards legally, they were obtained with ill-gotten assets. Ohtani has a strong legal footing to reclaim them as they were acquired through fraud. Courts will likely consider them “fruits of the crime.”
**Host:** It seems shocking that this kind of thing could happen. What can athletes and other high-net-worth individuals do to protect themselves from this kind of betrayal?
**David Smith:** This case underscores the importance of robust financial management and strong legal counsel. Having multiple layers of oversight on financial transactions and conducting regular audits can help detect suspicious activity.
**Host:** Unfortunately, Mizuhara faces serious jail time.
**David Smith:** Yes, this is a serious case of financial crime. The potential sentence reflects the magnitude of the theft.
**Host:** David, this has been a fascinating insight into this developing story. Thank you so much for your time and expertise.
**David Smith: ** My pleasure. It’s a story worth watching closely.