"In the course of responding to recent media inquiries, we have discovered that Shohei has been the victim of a massive theft and have turned the matter over to the authorities," West Hollywood law firm Berk Brettler LLP said in a statement. 

The Los Angeles Times reported that the firm had investigated the actions of Ohtani's longtime interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, after the newspaper learned that Ohtani's name had surfaced in a federal investigation into an alleged illegal bookmaker, Mathew Bowyer. The Dodgers, with whom the Japanese superstar is playing this season, have fired Mizuhara. This was reported on Wednesday. 

The Times, citing two anonymous sources, said the money was "in the millions" and that Mizuhara used it to place bets with Bowyer's operation, according to AFP. ESPN reported that questions had arisen about "at least $4.5 million in transfers from Ohtani's bank account" to an associate of Bowyer's, and that Mizuhara himself had exonerated Othani, stating that the Japanese star did not gamble and that the funds covered Mizuhara's losses. 

In addition, Major League Baseball's gambling policy prohibits "any player, umpire, club or league official or employee" from betting on baseball or placing illegal bets on any other sport. Sports betting has been legalised in most US states. However, online betting and physical sports books remain illegal in California. 

Mizuhara has said: "I was not aware of the illegality of such practices. Ohtani joined the Dodgers in December on a 10-year deal worth $700 million after playing six seasons in Major League Baseball with the Los Angeles Angels. He is currently with the Dodgers in Seoul for the opening series against the San Diego Padres. According to the Times, quoted by AFP: "Federal agents raided Bowyer's home in Orange County, California, last year.

He has not been charged with any crime, although the Times reported that Bowyer had a previous court record and had a $1.75 million judgment against him for defaulting on a line of credit from a Connecticut casino. Diane Bass, a lawyer for Bowyer, told the newspaper that he had "never met, spoken, texted or had any contact with Shohei Ohtani."

Mizuhara, who was born in Japan but grew up in Southern California, became Ohtani's personal interpreter when he signed with the Angels in 2017 and followed him to the Dodgers. He has become one of the player's most trusted confidants.

Ohtani's revelation in February that he was married captivated Japan, and his every move this week in South Korea has been front-page news. Throughout Ohtani's rise, his interpreter has been at his side and now he is facing serious allegations. The pair have often been seen arriving at training sessions and matches together.