Ippei Mizuhara scandal: “Real Housewives” actor who was caught with Shohei Ohtani’s ex-interpreter obtained immunity for testimony

The canvas continues to thicken. Since the criminal complaint against Ippei Mizuhara was filed, questions have been raised about the identity of people linked to the former Shohei Ohtani performer. The report mentioned that Mizuhara wired money to Mathew Bowyer’s associate, called “Associate 1” in the report. It has now been revealed that Ryan Boyajian is the associate the report talked about.

Popularly known for starring in “Real Housewives” Boyajian’s appearance opened a whole new thread in the case. According to ESPN, Boyajian, 47, is a longtime associate and friend of illegal Orange County bookmaker Mathew Bowyer. It was he who sent funds to Mizuhara to pay off his growing debts. The star recently made headlines due to his engagement to longtime girlfriend Jennifer Pedranti. However, he may have become an asset to federal investigators.

Boyajian’s criminal lawyer revealed he was working with authorities. As a result, Boyajian could have “received immunity in exchange for his testimony”, according to multiple ESPN sources. So how deep is Boyajian’s relationship with Bowyer? They have been spotted performing together on several occasions.

Boyajian was often seen in Resorts World Las Vegas. Here he was playing with Bowyer. Both gained from the top of the range “comps” in exchange for their games of chance with casino guests. Rewards included free food and drinks, tickets to various sporting events, shopping sprees, golf and more. Boyajian has been close friends with Bowyer for more than 20 years. Their friendship was so deep that when Bowyer filed for bankruptcy in 2011, Boyajian loaned him $245,000.

The former interpreter of Shohei Ohtani paid his losses to Boyajian who then passed them on to his own “marker pen” accounts with Resorts World and Pechanga Resort Casino. Later, he and Bowyer would withdraw the money in chips and play with them. This revelation lengthened the threads attached to this case.

Resorts World at the center of Shohei Ohtani’s Ippei Mizuhara scandal

Although Shohei Ohtani’s alleged theft and illegal gambling activities by Mizuhara sparked this case, the story went deeper than that. The feds are focusing more on Resorts World, which they see as the center of this whole situation. They say Resorts World allowed illegal sports betting organizations to operate and launder their money through the casinos.

As a result, two Vegas casinos agreed to pay fines. However, Resorts World has not commented on the situation. So while Ippei Mizuhara may have sparked controversy, he could prove to be the catalyst that shines a light on the vast network of illegal gambling in California. As for Mizuhara, things still look bleak for the former performer with a lengthy prison stay potentially in store for him.