Mathew Bowyer, an illegal bookmaker with deep connections to Las Vegas’ gambling scene, is set to plead guilty in a high-profile betting case involving a former interpreter for Major League Baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani.
Bowyer is charged with multiple counts of illegal gambling activities. Among these charges are running an unlicensed sportsbook, filing a false tax return and money laundering. According to a US department of justice notice, federal prosecutors have outlined a case demonstrating that Bowyer facilitated and profited from a large-scale illegal sports betting ring, which implicated various figures in the sports world.
The illegal southern California wagering ring involved high-profile clients, including athletes and executives.
Most notable among those figures was Ohtani’s former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara. He pleaded guilty in June to bank fraud and filing a false tax return. He has to return to court in October for sentencing.
If convicted, Bowyer could face up to 20 years in prison for the most serious charges. Additionally, financial penalties, potentially in the millions of dollars, and the forfeiture of assets gained through his illegal activities, are in play.
The prosecution has emphasised the severity of the charges, citing Bowyer’s extensive network and the sophisticated nature of his operations. According to the US attorney’s office, he’ll plead guilty on 9 August.
The case against Bowyer came to light following an extensive investigation by federal authorities into illegal sports betting activities linked to professional sports. He was allegedly involved in an illegal California wagering ring that facilitated bets for high-profile clients, including athletes and executives. Mizuhara’s involvement brought significant attention to the case.
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