The web keeps getting thicker. Ever since the criminal complaint against Ippei Mizuhara came into the picture, questions have been raised over the identity of the people who were connected to Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter. The report mentioned that Mizuhara had wired money to Mathew Bowyer’s associate, called “Associate 1” in the report. Now it’s been revealed that Ryan Boyajian is the associate the report talked about.

Popularly known for starring in “Real Housewives”, Boyajian’s appearance has opened a whole new thread in the case. Per ESPN, the 47-year-old Boyajian is an associate and longtime friend of Orange County’s illegal bookmaker Mathew Bowyer. He was the one on whose accounts Mizuhara sent funds to pay off his rising debts. The star was recently in the news due to his engagement with long-time girlfriend Jennifer Pedranti. However, he might have become an asset for the Federal investigators.

Boyajian’s criminal attorney revealed that he was working with the authorities. As a result, Boyajian might have “received immunity in return for his testimony,” according to multiple sources of ESPN. So how deep does Boyajian’s relationship go with Bowyer? They’ve been spotted gambling together on multiple occasions.

Boyajian was often seen in Resorts World Las Vegas. Here he used to gamble with Bowyer. The two earned high-end “comps” in return for their gambling from the casino hosts. The comps included free food and beverage, tickets to various sporting events, shopping sprees, golf, and many more things. Boyajian has been a close friend of Bowyer for over 20 years. Their friendship was deep enough that when Bowyer filed for bankruptcy in 2011, Boyajian loaned him $245,000.

Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter used to pay his losses to Boyajian who would then forward it to his own “marker” accounts at Resorts World and Pechanga Resort Casino. Later he and Bowyer would take the money out in chips and gamble with it. This revelation has elongated the threads attached to this case.

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

While Mizuhara’s alleged theft of Shohei Ohtani and illegal gambling activity started this case, the story has gone deeper than that. The Federal Authorities have increased their focus on Resorts World, which they deem as the center of this entire situation. According to them, Resorts World allowed illegal sports bookmaking organizations to operate and launder their money through casinos.

As a result, two Vegas casinos have agreed to pay fines. However, Resorts World hasn’t commented on the situation. So while Ippei Mizuhara may have started the controversy, he might prove to be the catalyst that brings to light the big web of illegal gambling in California. As for Mizuhara – things still look bleak for the former interpreter with a long prison stay potentially on the cards for him.