MLB investigating allegations of illegal gambling, theft involving Ohtani and his interpreter

Major League Baseball has opened a formal investigation into illegal gambling and theft allegations involving Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani and his interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara.

Mizuhara was let go from the team Wednesday following reports from the Los Angeles Times and ESPN about his alleged ties to an illegal bookmaker and claims from Ohtani's attorneys that the two-way Japanese star had been the victim of a "massive theft."

"Major League Baseball has been gathering information since we learned about the allegations involving Shohei Ohtani and Ippei [Mizuhara] from the news media," the commissioner's office said in a statement Friday. "Earlier today, our Department of Investigations began their formal process investigating the matter."

The IRS confirmed Thursday that Mizuhara and Mathew Bowyer, the alleged illegal bookmaker, are under criminal investigation through the agency's Los Angeles Field Office. IRS Criminal Investigation spokesperson Scott Villiard said he could not provide additional details.

The Associated Press has been unable reach Mizuhara for comment. It is not clear if he has an attorney. Mizuhara was with the team in South Korea up until his firing. It's unknown if he left the country.

WATCH | Ippei Mizuhara, interpreter to baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani, is fired: 

MLB established its Department of Investigations in 2008 following allegations in the 2007 report by former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell into the use of performance-enhancing drugs in the sport. The unit investigated three-time MVP Alex Rodriguez, who was suspended for the 2014 season for violations of the drug agreement and labour contract in connection with the Biogenesis investigation.

More recently, the unit