Shohei Ohtani Seeks Return of $325K in Baseball Cards From Ex-Interpreter

The MLB star alleges Ippei Mizuhara fraudulently purchased the cards with stolen funds and is petitioning a court for their return.

Shohei Ohtani has filed a court petition to reclaim $325,000 worth of baseball cards allegedly purchased by his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, using stolen funds.
Mizuhara, who previously pleaded guilty to stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani, is accused of using the money for gambling, medical bills, and collectible purchases.
Court filings state Mizuhara accessed Ohtani's bank account from 2021 to 2024, impersonating him to authorize wire transfers for personal expenses and purchases.
Authorities seized the baseball cards, including signed collectibles featuring Ohtani, as part of their investigation into Mizuhara's financial misconduct.
Mizuhara faces sentencing in January 2025 for bank and tax fraud, with potential penalties including over 30 years in prison, restitution to Ohtani, and possible deportation to Japan.