Federal investigators accused interpreter Ippei Mizuhara of stealing $16 million from Shohei Ohtani. They made it clear Ohtani was the victim. This text between Mizuhara and the bookmaker drives the point home:

On March 20, 2024, after news broke that at least $4.5 million had been transmitted from Ohtani’s account to Bowyer’s operation, Mizuhara texted the bookmaker asking whether he had seen the media reports. The bookmaker replied, “Yes, but that’s all bulls—. Obviously you didn’t steal from him. I understand it’s a cover job I totally get it.”

Mizuhara replied, “Technically I did steal from him. It’s all over for me.”

ESPN.com

I suspect that also answer the question of why the interpreter received so much credit from the bookmaker, he thought Ohtani was backing Mizuhara.

I’m glad this was wrapped up quickly.