Shohei Ohtani Seeks Return of Seized Baseball Cards from Former Interpreter Ippei Mizuhara

• Posted: November 28, 2024, 1:21 pm
• in Sports Card News
• by bionic

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Shohei Ohtani, fresh off a World Series victory and a National League MVP season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, has petitioned a federal judge to reclaim $325,000 worth of baseball cards fraudulently purchased by his former interpreter and confidant, Ippei Mizuhara. Earlier this year, Mizuhara pleaded guilty to defrauding Ohtani of nearly $17 million.

Ohtani filed his request with the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California on Tuesday, seeking ownership of the sports cards seized from Mizuhara by authorities. A hearing on the matter was granted and is set for December 20.

Background on the Fraud​

Mizuhara admitted in June to bank and tax fraud, confessing to stealing millions from Ohtani. Between January and March 2024, Mizuhara used funds from Ohtani's account to purchase baseball cards on platforms such as eBay and Whatnot, intending to resell them for profit. Ohtani asserts that the cards were purchased with his money and therefore belong to him.

Adding to the case, Ohtani informed the court that “a quantity of personally signed collectible baseball cards” featuring his image was also found among Mizuhara's possessions and wrongly included in the seizure. Ohtani is requesting their return as part of his petition.

Details of the Seized Items​

Court filings describe the seized items as:

• Collectible sports cards stored in silver and black Panopply cases
• Collectible sports cards stored in gray Panopply cases
• A box containing additional collectible sports cards
• A card wrapping device
• Plastic card protector holders

Mizuhara’s Downfall​

Mizuhara’s theft involved unauthorized access to Ohtani’s bank account. The Dodgers dismissed Mizuhara in March following the revelation of his fraudulent activities. While his sentencing was originally scheduled for October 25 and later moved to December 20, it has now been delayed again to January 24.

What’s Next​

The December 20 hearing will determine whether Ohtani can regain ownership of the seized sports cards. This legal step marks another chapter in the fallout from Mizuhara’s betrayal of the trust placed in him by one of baseball's biggest stars.