Feds Bring MLB’s Messy Betting Scandal Into Focus

The federal bank fraud charge against Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter doubled as a de facto exoneration of Ohtani himself, as prosecutors built a detailed case that experts say brings clarity to an explosive saga marked by confusion and shifting narratives.

In unveiling the criminal complaint against Ohtani’s longtime interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, prosecutors explicitly said Ohtani was being treated as the “victim” of a $16 million theft, buttressing the version of the story that the Los Angeles Dodgers superstar gave the media several weeks ago.

Mizuhara, faces substantial prison time if convicted of bank fraud, and prosecutors have put together a very strong case, according to Michael S. Weinstein.

“He is in a deep hole with limited options to get out,” Weinstein told Law360. “The overall evidence, including financial records, emails, text and his own admissions, [is] very damaging.”