The scandal involving L.A. Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, has taken another dramatic turn. Mizuhara has consented to plead guilty to charges of embezzling nearly $17 million from Ohtani to settle gambling debts.
Prosecutors have detailed how Mizuhara orchestrated the theft to cover massive losses incurred through illegal gambling. As part of his plea agreement, Mizuhara faces potential imprisonment and must repay the stolen funds in full.
Adding to the scandal’s complexity, Ryan Boyajian, a cast member of “Real Housewives of Orange County,” has been implicated. Reports suggest that illegal bookmaker Mathew Bowyer advised Mizuhara to transfer the embezzled funds to an account belonging to Boyajian, known as “Associate 1” in court documents.
This account was allegedly used to funnel $15 million in nearly 40 transfers from February 2022 to October 2023 and an additional $1.25 million from December 2023 to January 2024. Boyajian reportedly transferred this money to Bowyer. Although frequently seen with Bowyer in Las Vegas, Boyajian has cooperated with authorities and received immunity. Bowyer remains uncharged, and his representatives have declined to comment.
Mizuhara’s descent into this fraudulent scheme began with gambling in September 2021. After accumulating significant losses, he resorted to using Ohtani’s earnings to clear his debts, starting with a $40,000 transfer in November 2021 and $300,000 in February 2022.
