A four -minute audio recording allegedly captures the former Shohei Ohtani performer, IPPEI Mizuhara, getting through the baseball star to ensure a bank transfer of 200,000 dollars.
The amazing recording referred to in a judicial file is being used to support the pressure of the prosecutors to obtain a sentence of almost five years for Mizuhara, who previously declared himself guilty of bank and fiscal fraud for stealing about 17 million of dollars of the sensation of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Prosecutors also seek the restitution of almost 17 million dollars to Ohtani, as well as a fine of more than 1 million dollars to IRS.
Mizuhara will be sentenced on February 6 after declaring himself guilty of a position of bank fraud and a subscription charge of a false tax declaration.
In the recording, a man is heard identifying himself as Ohtani before saying that he tried and could not log in to the online bank because he was not available. Later confirms that the transaction you want to make is for $ 200,000.
When the bank's wife asks the reason for the transaction, he replies that it is for a car loan.
Shohei Ohtani (left) ex -interpreter is possessed by the MLB star in a shocking recording
IPPEI Mizuhara faces almost five years in prison for stealing about 17 million dollars to Ohtani
'What is your relationship with the beneficiary?' She asks.
“Eh, it's my friend,” replies the man.
The recording was obtained from the bank, according to deputy federal prosecutor Jeff Mitchell. It is not clear when it was done.
Towards the end of the call, the bank's wife asks: 'Will there be any bank transfer to your friend in the future?'
“It's possible,” says the man. The recording was first obtained by The Atlético.
The legal presentation says that Mizuhara accessed Ohtani's account around November 2021 and changed his security protocols to be able to impersonate him and authorize bank transfers.
By 2024, I had allegedly used that money to buy baseball cards for approximate value of $ 325,000 in Lifemers on line eBay and Whatnot.
The interpreter fallen out of disgrace was convicted in June of spending millions of the Ohtani bank account in Arizona to cover his growing bets and debts with an illegal betting house, as well as medical invoices and baseball cards worth $ 325,000.
Mizuhara was present at many of the most prominent moments of the Japanese player's career. He was his receiver during the home run in the 2021 star game and was also present in his two victories as a more valuable player in the American League and in his record contract of 700 million dollars and 10 years with the Dodgers. Outside the countryside, he became a friend and confidant of Ohtani.
Mizuhara will be sentenced on February 6 after declaring himself guilty of bank and fiscal fraud.
It is famous that renounced Los Angeles Angels during the Employers of the MLB of 2021 to be able to continue talking with Ohtani, before being reached after an agreement was reached, while, according to the reports, their wives socialized.
But he risked everything, betting dozens of millions of dollars that were not his in international football, NBA, NFL and university football, although prosecutors said he never bet on baseball.
Mizuhara was fired in March 2024 after prosecutors reported that Ohtani was the victim of robbery after investigation into an illegal betting operation that led to his accusation.
In a letter presented to the Court on Thursday, Mizuhara said about dealing with his addiction to the game that led him to losses for 17 million dollars: “I was almost dead inside. It was as if it were simply following the movements.
“Although I had always told me that I would recover everything, when I realized that this was impossible, I think I just closed. But that did not prevent me from making more bets.
'I felt very restless and anxious if I didn't have an active bet. I felt the pressure of staying in the game. “