The baseball world has been rocked by the unfolding scandal surrounding Shohei Ohtani and his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara. Amidst weeks of speculation and conflicting reports, the U.S. government has shed light on the case with a detailed criminal complaint against Mizuhara, who stands accused of embezzling over $16 million from the Los Angeles Dodgers star.

The 37-page complaint reveals startling revelations that have captured the attention of baseball fans worldwide. Here are the five most astonishing findings from the case:

1. Mizuhara’s Massive Gambling Losses: The complaint unveils Mizuhara’s staggering gambling losses, totaling more than $40 million. Allegedly making 19,000 wagers with an illegal bookie over a span of three years, Mizuhara’s addiction led to astronomical losses, highlighting the depths of his financial turmoil.

2. Impersonation and Bank Fraud: Mizuhara allegedly impersonated Ohtani on phone calls to conceal his fraudulent activities, including attempts to wire funds from Ohtani’s bank account. By assuming Ohtani’s identity, Mizuhara exploited his position as the player’s interpreter and financial point person to perpetrate bank fraud.

3. Misuse of Funds: Despite the primary focus on repaying gambling debts, Mizuhara’s misuse of Ohtani’s money extended to purchasing over $325,000 worth of baseball cards. The complaint unveils Mizuhara’s sideline venture in baseball card resale, further illuminating the extent of his financial mismanagement.

4. Stalking and Threats: The complaint reveals alarming instances of the bookie, Mathew Bowyer, stalking Ohtani and his dog, Dekopin, as part of efforts to retrieve Mizuhara’s contact information. Bowyer’s messages, indicating his presence near Ohtani’s residence, underscore the severity of the situation and the lengths to which individuals were willing to go to recover Mizuhara’s debts.

5. Lack of Oversight: Perhaps most concerning is the revelation that Ohtani’s agent, Nez Balelo, exclusively communicated with Ohtani through Mizuhara, despite mounting concerns about Mizuhara’s control over Ohtani’s finances. Balelo’s reliance on Mizuhara as a go-between enabled Mizuhara to manipulate the situation and perpetrate his crimes without detection.

In addition to these revelations, the complaint paints a picture of Mizuhara’s brazen exploitation of his position of trust within Ohtani’s inner circle. From manipulating bank accounts to deceiving financial managers, Mizuhara’s actions reveal a calculated scheme to defraud Ohtani of millions of dollars.

As the investigation unfolds and legal proceedings progress, the baseball community remains gripped by the shocking details emerging from the scandal. The ramifications of Mizuhara’s alleged crimes extend far beyond the realm of sports, serving as a cautionary tale of the dangers of unchecked trust and financial exploitation.