Ippei Mizuhara, ex-performer for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, likely to be charged by federal authorities in gambling probe linked to probe of former county bookmaker of Orange, two sources familiar with the investigation told NBC News on Wednesday. .
Ohtani reportedly assisted in the investigation.
Ohtani’s allegations of theft are also accurate, ESPN reported, citing a source with direct knowledge of the investigation.
The investigation began in mid-March after reports detailed Mizuhara’s alleged ties to an illegal bookmaker. Reports indicate that at least $4.5 million was transferred from Ohtani’s bank account to the California bookmaker.
“Major League Baseball has been gathering information since we became aware of the allegations involving Shohei Ohtani and Ippei (Mizuhara) through the media,” the MLB commissioner’s office said in a statement. “Earlier today, our investigation department began its formal investigation into the matter.
Early reports of the situation first emerged when the Dodgers opened the season in South Korea against the San Diego Padres. Ohtani played throughout the investigation.
This story will be updated…
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