Filmmaker Carl Erik Rinsch, known for directing 47 Ronin, has been indicted on fraud and money laundering charges after allegedly misusing $11 million from Netflix. The money was meant to complete his sci-fi series White Horse (also known as Conquest), but instead, he reportedly spent it on luxury cars, expensive furniture, and even high-end mattresses.
Netflix had initially invested $44 million in the project, hoping to produce a full season. However, Rinsch went over budget and requested an extra $11 million in 2020. Instead of finishing the show, he allegedly transferred most of the money into risky investments, including cryptocurrency. While some of these investments paid off, court records show he splurged millions on personal expenses, including Rolls Royces, Ferraris, and lavish home goods.
Production for White Horse had already been struggling, and when Rinsch met with Netflix executives in June 2020, he reportedly spent most of the meeting discussing theories about COVID, the universe, and spirituality rather than his show. Netflix ultimately wrote off the project.
A court previously ordered Rinsch to repay $11.8 million, and now, with his indictment, he faces multiple charges of fraud and money laundering. If convicted, he could serve significant time in prison, and the government is seeking to seize his assets.
Netflix has declined to comment on the case.
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