Shohei Ohtani's representatives have contacted law enforcement authorities and asked them to investigate a "massive theft" of money from the superstar, according to a source.

On Wednesday, lawyers for Ohtani said he had been "a victim of a massive theft" after reporters asked an Ohtani spokesman questions about why $4.5 million in wire transfers had been sent from Ohtani's bank account to a bookmaking operation.

The theft allegation came after his spokesman initially said that the slugger had transferred the funds to cover the gambling debts of Ohtani's former interpreter and friend, Ippei Mizuhara.

Multiple sources, including Mizuhara, said that Ohtani does not gamble and that the funds covered Mizuhara's losses.