• A four-minute audio recording allegedly captures Ippei Mizuhara impersonating Shohei Ohtani on a bank call.
• Mizuhara is facing nearly five years in prison for bank and tax fraud involving almost $17 million stolen from Ohtani.
• Prosecutors seek restitution and a penalty of over $1 million from Mizuhara.
• Mizuhara accessed Ohtani's account by changing security protocols, misusing funds for gambling debts and purchases.

A nearly four-minute audio recording has emerged, allegedly featuring Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, impersonating the baseball star during a bank call in an attempt to transfer $200,000, which he claimed was for a car loan. This recording, highlighted in a court filing and obtained by the Associated Press, supports federal prosecutors' push for a nearly five-year sentence for Mizuhara, who has already pleaded guilty to bank and tax fraud for stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani. In addition, prosecutors are pursuing restitution of the full amount along with a penalty exceeding $1 million to the IRS. Mizuhara’s sentencing is scheduled for February 6, following his guilty pleas to one count of bank fraud and one count of subscribing to a false tax return. His attorney, Michael G. Freedman, has not commented publicly on the case. During the recorded conversation, a man, purported to be Mizuhara posing as Ohtani, states that he could not access online banking and later confirms the transaction amount is $200,000. When questioned about the purpose of the transfer, he cited a car loan and described the payee simply as a "friend." The recording was obtained from the bank as part of the investigation, which revealed Mizuhara had accessed Ohtani's financial accounts starting in November 2021. Authorities allege he altered security protocols to impersonate the star and initiate unauthorized wire transfers. Subsequently, it is claimed that Mizuhara utilized approximately $325,000 of Ohtani's funds to purchase baseball cards through online platforms like eBay and Whatnot. Mizuhara's fraudulent activities were not limited to misappropriating Ohtani's funds but also encompassed his escalating gambling debts and large medical expenses. Significantly, he was present during many of Ohtani's career milestones, including being his catcher in the 2021 All-Star Game and supporting him through his two American League MVP achievements and a famed $700 million, 10-year contract with the Dodgers. However, despite their close friendship, Mizuhara's actions appear to have cost him everything, as he allegedly gambled away funds on various sports, with prosecutors noting he never placed bets on baseball itself. For further details, visit CNN and CBS News.