![BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaOhtani interpreter charged with stealing over $16m from baseball starPublished1 hour agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Ippei Mizuhara had been a constant companion of Shohei Ohtani since the baseball star began his stint in the USBy Max MatzaBBC NewsUS officials have charged baseball sensation Shohei Ohtani’s long-time interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, with stealing millions from the sports star.The lead prosecutor in California accused Mr Mizhuara of impersonating Mr Ohtani to banks and to place wagers. “Mr Ohtani is considered a victim in this case,” US Attorney Martin Estrada told reporters at a news conference in Los Angeles on Thursday. Mr Mizuhara, 39, was fired last month as news of the alleged theft emerged. Prosecutors claim that the interpreter used Mr Ohtani’s money to place bets and deposited his winnings into an account that he controlled. Between November 2021 and January 2024, officials said he wired more than $16m (£13m) in unauthorised transfers from Mr Ohtani’s account. “Mr Mizuhara did all this to feed his insatiable appetite for illegal sports gambling,” Mr Estrada said.The charging document alleges that Mr Mizuhara, who acted as Mr Ohtani’s de facto manager, took advantage of the fact that the Japanese sports star does not speak English.It said he called bank officials and “falsely identified himself as [Mr] Ohtani to trick employees into authorizing wire transfers from [Mr] Ohtani’s bank account to associates of the illegal gambling operation”.From January to March 2024, Mr Mizuhara also allegedly purchased $325,000 in baseball cards using money taken from Mr Ohtani’s account.An LA-based defence lawyer representing Mr Mizuhara declined to comment on the charges on Thursday.Last week, Mr Ohtani sat for an interview with prosecutors and denied that he allowed the interpreter access to his finances.This video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, Watch: Ohtani says he’s ‘sad and shocked’ after theft claims surrounding interpreter”[Mr] Ohtani provided his cellphone to law enforcement, who determined that there was no evidence to suggest that [Mr] Ohtani was aware of, or involved in, [Mr] Mizuhara’s illegal gambling activity or payment of those debts,” according to the prosecutor’s statement.The criminal charge of bank fraud carries a sentence of 30 years in federal prison. The New York Times reports he is negotiating a plea deal with prosecutors. Sports betting is legal in 38 states in America but it remains illegal in California.Major League Baseball has its own policy that bans “any player, umpire, or Club or League official or employee” from betting on baseball games and placing bets with illegal bookmakers.Mr Estrada on Thursday told reporters that there is no evidence to suggest that Mr Mizuhara placed any bets on baseball games. Ohtani signed a record 10-year, $700m contract with the Dodgers before this season, becoming the face of the sports franchise. He had just won his second unanimous American League MVP award.His stint in the US started in 2018, and Mr Mizuhara had been a constant companion. He and his wife were recently seen in a picture that revealed Mr Ohtani’s wife, Mamiko Tanaka, after weeks of speculation.Last month, Mr Ohtani told reporters at an LA Dodgers news conference: “I’m very saddened and shocked that someone who I trusted has done this.”Ippei has been stealing money from my account and has told lies,” he said, speaking with the help of a different interpreter.Related TopicsInternational BusinessSports bettingJapanUnited StatesMore on this storyShohei Ohtani’s interpreter fired by LA DodgersPublished21 MarchOhtani ‘shocked’ after theft claims surrounding interpreter. Video, 00:01:15Ohtani ‘shocked’ after theft claims surrounding interpreterPublished25 March1:15How $700m ‘Shotime’ became Japan’s biggest baseball exportPublished10 December 2023Japanese baseball star unveils new wife’s identityPublished15 MarchFan frenzy as Shohei Ohtani makes Dodgers debutPublished20 MarchTop StoriesOJ Simpson, NFL star cleared in ‘trial of the century’, dies aged 76Published9 minutes agoPostmistress jailed while pregnant rejects ex-Post Office boss’ apologyPublished5 hours agoKey power plant near Kyiv destroyed by Russian strikesPublished1 hour agoFeaturesObituary: The spectacular fall of NFL star OJ SimpsonListen: Americast – The life and death of OJ SimpsonAttributionSoundsBowen: Israel denies famine looms in Gaza, but evidence is overwhelmingHow gang violence gripped a tourist havenNazanin: ‘Freedom is sweet… but it’s not easy’What is the minimum salary UK visa applicants need?UK weather: Is it turning warmer?AttributionWeatherWas South Korea’s president thwarted by a spring onion?Listen: How will Labour plug the gap in NHS funding?AttributionSoundsElsewhere on the BBCShould you be worried about getting enough protein?Dr Julia Ravey and Dr Ella Hubber unpick this macronutrient to find out what it does in our bodiesAttributionSounds’I’m not difficult… I just cannot take mediocrity’Explore the meteoric rise to fame and troubled personal life of the comedy pioneer Peter SellersAttributioniPlayer’I was freaking out, I knew I was in trouble’How did Australian Holly Deane-Johns end up in a notorious Thai prison?AttributionSoundsUnearthing the fascinating stories of our ancestorsBritain’s Biggest Dig gives a glimpse into the life of the rich and poor of Georgian LondonAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Man in court over murder of wife as she pushed pram2OJ Simpson, NFL star cleared in ‘trial of the century’, dies aged 763Postmistress jailed while pregnant rejects ex-Post Office boss’ apology4Dazzling artwork found at ancient city of Pompeii5Gang culture at neurosurgery department, doctor alleges6Stormy conditions turn sea pink7Key power plant near Kyiv destroyed by Russian strikes8Wife died in ‘out of character’ attack by husband with dementia9Taylor Swift’s music returns to TikTok10Donelan’s libel bills cost taxpayers £34,000](https://newsinsightplus.com/wp-content/uploads/https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/1668B/production/_132978719_gettyimages-1848361343.jpg)
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BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaOhtani interpreter charged with stealing over $16m from baseball starPublished1 hour agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Ippei Mizuhara had been a constant companion of Shohei Ohtani since the baseball star began his stint in the USBy Max MatzaBBC NewsUS officials have charged baseball sensation Shohei Ohtani’s long-time interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, with stealing millions from the sports star.The lead prosecutor in California accused Mr Mizhuara of impersonating Mr Ohtani to banks and to place wagers. “Mr Ohtani is considered a victim in this case,” US Attorney Martin Estrada told reporters at a news conference in Los Angeles on Thursday. Mr Mizuhara, 39, was fired last month as news of the alleged theft emerged. Prosecutors claim that the interpreter used Mr Ohtani’s money to place bets and deposited his winnings into an account that he controlled. Between November 2021 and January 2024, officials said he wired more than $16m (£13m) in unauthorised transfers from Mr Ohtani’s account. “Mr Mizuhara did all this to feed his insatiable appetite for illegal sports gambling,” Mr Estrada said.The charging document alleges that Mr Mizuhara, who acted as Mr Ohtani’s de facto manager, took advantage of the fact that the Japanese sports star does not speak English.It said he called bank officials and “falsely identified himself as [Mr] Ohtani to trick employees into authorizing wire transfers from [Mr] Ohtani’s bank account to associates of the illegal gambling operation”.From January to March 2024, Mr Mizuhara also allegedly purchased $325,000 in baseball cards using money taken from Mr Ohtani’s account.An LA-based defence lawyer representing Mr Mizuhara declined to comment on the charges on Thursday.Last week, Mr Ohtani sat for an interview with prosecutors and denied that he allowed the interpreter access to his finances.This video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, Watch: Ohtani says he’s ‘sad and shocked’ after theft claims surrounding interpreter”[Mr] Ohtani provided his cellphone to law enforcement, who determined that there was no evidence to suggest that [Mr] Ohtani was aware of, or involved in, [Mr] Mizuhara’s illegal gambling activity or payment of those debts,” according to the prosecutor’s statement.The criminal charge of bank fraud carries a sentence of 30 years in federal prison. The New York Times reports he is negotiating a plea deal with prosecutors. Sports betting is legal in 38 states in America but it remains illegal in California.Major League Baseball has its own policy that bans “any player, umpire, or Club or League official or employee” from betting on baseball games and placing bets with illegal bookmakers.Mr Estrada on Thursday told reporters that there is no evidence to suggest that Mr Mizuhara placed any bets on baseball games. Ohtani signed a record 10-year, $700m contract with the Dodgers before this season, becoming the face of the sports franchise. He had just won his second unanimous American League MVP award.His stint in the US started in 2018, and Mr Mizuhara had been a constant companion. He and his wife were recently seen in a picture that revealed Mr Ohtani’s wife, Mamiko Tanaka, after weeks of speculation.Last month, Mr Ohtani told reporters at an LA Dodgers news conference: “I’m very saddened and shocked that someone who I trusted has done this.”Ippei has been stealing money from my account and has told lies,” he said, speaking with the help of a different interpreter.Related TopicsInternational BusinessSports bettingJapanUnited StatesMore on this storyShohei Ohtani’s interpreter fired by LA DodgersPublished21 MarchOhtani ‘shocked’ after theft claims surrounding interpreter. Video, 00:01:15Ohtani ‘shocked’ after theft claims surrounding interpreterPublished25 March1:15How $700m ‘Shotime’ became Japan’s biggest baseball exportPublished10 December 2023Japanese baseball star unveils new wife’s identityPublished15 MarchFan frenzy as Shohei Ohtani makes Dodgers debutPublished20 MarchTop StoriesOJ Simpson, NFL star cleared in ‘trial of the century’, dies aged 76Published9 minutes agoPostmistress jailed while pregnant rejects ex-Post Office boss’ apologyPublished5 hours agoKey power plant near Kyiv destroyed by Russian strikesPublished1 hour agoFeaturesObituary: The spectacular fall of NFL star OJ SimpsonListen: Americast – The life and death of OJ SimpsonAttributionSoundsBowen: Israel denies famine looms in Gaza, but evidence is overwhelmingHow gang violence gripped a tourist havenNazanin: ‘Freedom is sweet… but it’s not easy’What is the minimum salary UK visa applicants need?UK weather: Is it turning warmer?AttributionWeatherWas South Korea’s president thwarted by a spring onion?Listen: How will Labour plug the gap in NHS funding?AttributionSoundsElsewhere on the BBCShould you be worried about getting enough protein?Dr Julia Ravey and Dr Ella Hubber unpick this macronutrient to find out what it does in our bodiesAttributionSounds’I’m not difficult… I just cannot take mediocrity’Explore the meteoric rise to fame and troubled personal life of the comedy pioneer Peter SellersAttributioniPlayer’I was freaking out, I knew I was in trouble’How did Australian Holly Deane-Johns end up in a notorious Thai prison?AttributionSoundsUnearthing the fascinating stories of our ancestorsBritain’s Biggest Dig gives a glimpse into the life of the rich and poor of Georgian LondonAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Man in court over murder of wife as she pushed pram2OJ Simpson, NFL star cleared in ‘trial of the century’, dies aged 763Postmistress jailed while pregnant rejects ex-Post Office boss’ apology4Dazzling artwork found at ancient city of Pompeii5Gang culture at neurosurgery department, doctor alleges6Stormy conditions turn sea pink7Key power plant near Kyiv destroyed by Russian strikes8Wife died in ‘out of character’ attack by husband with dementia9Taylor Swift’s music returns to TikTok10Donelan’s libel bills cost taxpayers £34,000
[ad_1] “[Mr] Ohtani provided his cellphone to law enforcement, who determined that there was no evidence to suggest that [Mr] Ohtani was aware of, or involved in, [Mr] Mizuhara’s illegal…
![BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountLiveNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaBlinken visits Middle East to discuss Gaza post-war planPublished50 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsIsrael-Gaza warImage source, ReutersImage caption, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was greeted by Saudi officials on arrival in JeddahBy Tom Bateman, State Department correspondent & Rushdi Abu Alouf, Gaza correspondentBBC News, in Jeddah and IstanbulThe US secretary of state has flown to the Middle East to discuss a post-war plan to govern and secure Gaza.Antony Blinken’s talks with Arab leaders in Saudi Arabia and then Egypt will focus on what the US calls “an architecture for lasting peace”.It comes as witnesses said Israeli forces had escalated their operation around al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City, carrying out a number of air strikes.Earlier, Israel’s military said it had killed 90 gunmen there since Monday.Separately, indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas are continuing in Qatar to bring about a ceasefire and the release of hostages. But there are few signs that a breakthrough is imminent.Entire Gaza population facing acute hunger – US Gaza faces famine during Ramadan, the holy month of fastingWhat is famine and when is it declared?Mr Blinken’s sixth trip to the region since the start of the war in Gaza saw him land in Jeddah on Wednesday afternoon to meet the Saudi leadership. Descending from the plane shortly before sundown he was greeted by waiting officials, including Mazin al-Himali from the Saudi foreign ministry, who embraced Mr Blinken. He is expected to meet the Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, at the royal palace on Wednesday night. State department spokesman Matthew Miller said they would discuss efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement and increase aid deliveries to Gaza, amid further dire warnings about the scale of the humanitarian crisis there.A UN-backed food security assessment this week said 1.1 million people in Gaza were struggling with catastrophic hunger and starvation, adding that a man-made famine in the north was imminent between now and May.Also on the agenda would be “co-ordination on post-conflict planning for Gaza, including ensuring Hamas can no longer govern or repeat the attacks of 7 October, a political path for the Palestinian people with security assurances with Israel, and an architecture for lasting peace and security in the region”, Mr Miller added.Mr Blinken will travel to Cairo on Thursday to meet Egyptian leaders.Image source, ReutersImage caption, A UN-backed assessment says about 210,000 people in northern Gaza face imminent famineThe Americans are trying to bring together a major deal that would put the internationally-recognised Palestinian Authority (PA) back into Gaza for the first time since it was driven out by Hamas 17 years ago. Nothing has yet been drawn up, but the ideas are thought to include possible support on the ground from Arab nations, while all the parties including Israel would commit to pursuing a two-state solution – the long-held international formula for peace. The major Arab sponsor Saudi Arabia would normalise relations with Israel in return for access to advanced US weapons and an American-backed civilian nuclear power programme. However, even if such a multi-part plan could be agreed, US officials concede it is likely only attainable in the longer term. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly rejected the idea of PA control of Gaza. The issue is likely to be another sticking point amid an already fractious relationship with President Biden.Some of those familiar with the plan concede it feels ambitious given the lack of breakthrough on a ceasefire agreement, the ongoing humanitarian crisis, and because any remaining trust between Israelis and Palestinians is shattered. But the US administration hopes it can still use the moment to grasp the initiative. Mr Blinken will also travel to Israel on Friday as part of his current trip. According to Mr Miller, he will discuss with Israeli leaders the hostage negotiations and the “need to ensure the defeat of Hamas, including in Rafah, in a way that protects the civilian population”. President Joe Biden has warned Israel that it would be a “mistake” to launch an offensive in the southern city of Rafah, where more than a million displaced civilians are sheltering. But on Tuesday, Mr Netanyahu said Israel was “determined to complete the elimination of [the Hamas] battalions in Rafah, and there is no way to do this without a ground incursion”. More than 31,900 people have been killed in Gaza since the start of the war, according to the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants.The conflict began when about 1,200 people were killed and 253 others were taken hostage in Hamas’s attacks on southern Israel on 7 October, according to Israeli tallies. Image source, ReutersImage caption, Smoke was seen rising from Gaza City as Israeli forces continued their operation in and around al-Shifa hospitalOn the ground in Gaza on Wednesday, heavy fighting raged around al-Shifa hospital as the Israeli military’s operation there continued for a third day.Witnesses told the BBC that tanks previously positioned around the hospital complex had now moved eastwards, along al-Wahda Street.They also reported a significant increase in the number of air strikes in Gaza City and other northern areas.”The relentless sounds of explosions can be heard from around al-Shifa hospital,” said Osama Tawfiq, who lives 700m (2,300ft) from the complex. “Since Monday morning, we feel like as if the war has just begun.”According to the witnesses, the strikes targeted homes belonging to members of Hamas who had been assigned to serve on so-called “emergency committees” in place of the armed group’s police force.Among them was Amjad Hathat, who was reportedly killed along with 11 other emergency committee members at the Kuwait roundabout in Gaza City on Tuesday evening while securing the distribution of humanitarian aid.Mr Tawfiq said that the situation had deteriorated in his area, after a period of relative calm that followed the withdrawal of Israeli forces in mid-January.”We are not only enduring bombings but also facing a looming food crisis.””During last Ramadan, we could break our fast with some food. But now we struggle to find anything beyond water that smells like sewage and tastes like seawater, as well as meagre bread. My children are suffering from hunger.”A UN-backed food security assessment has said 1.1 million people in Gaza are struggling with catastrophic hunger and starvation, and that a man-made famine in the north of the territory is imminent between now and May.On Wednesday morning, the Israeli military said its troops had killed approximately 90 gunmen and questioned 300 suspects during what it called the “precise operation” in and around al-Shifa.They first raided the hospital in November, when the military accused it of being a Hamas “command and control centre” – an allegation that Hamas and hospital officials denied. The military said the latest operation was launched on Monday because “senior Hamas terrorists have regrouped inside… and are using it to command attacks against Israel”.Hamas acknowledged a senior commander of its internal security force was killed there on Monday, but said he was co-ordinating aid deliveries. It said the other people killed were patients and displaced civilians sheltering there.The military said it was taking measures to avoid harm to civilians and keep the hospital functioning, but witnesses told BBC Arabic’s Gaza Today programme that that the situation there was catastrophic and that civilians, including medics, were crowded in corridors.”Children do not stop crying because they are dying of hunger and thirst… and the wounded suffer all night long due to the lack of medicines and painkillers,” one displaced woman, who asked not to be named, said on Tuesday. “The bulldozers are sweeping away the places where we are staying, and shrapnel is flying above our heads everywhere,” she added. Additional reporting by David Gritten in LondonRelated TopicsIsrael-Gaza warIsraelAntony BlinkenPalestinian territoriesHamasSaudi ArabiaUnited StatesMore on this storyEntire Gaza population facing acute hunger – USPublished1 day agoTop StoriesLive. 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