Hollywood director Carl Rinsch, best known for 47 Ronin, is facing serious legal trouble after allegedly misusing more than $11 million from Netflix—money meant for a sci-fi series he was hired to create.
Federal prosecutors accuse Rinsch of diverting funds intended for the production into luxury splurges, including high-end cars, cryptocurrency, and extravagant personal purchases.
The 47-year-old filmmaker was indicted for wire fraud and money laundering, charges that could result in a lengthy prison sentence if convicted. The indictment, filed in a New York federal court, was unsealed this week, leading to his arrest.
According to authorities, Netflix—though unnamed in the filing—had commissioned Rinsch to produce a series originally titled White Horse, later renamed Conquest. The show was set to explore a futuristic world where a scientist’s powerful clones are exiled to a walled city in Brazil, sparking conflicts with humans and each other.
Between 2018 and 2019, Netflix reportedly invested around $44 million into the project, transferring funds to Rinsch’s production company. When he requested an additional $11 million to finalize the series, the streaming giant complied. However, instead of completing the project, prosecutors say Rinsch funneled the money through multiple accounts and indulged in luxury cars—including a Ferrari and five Rolls-Royces—high-end furniture, crypto investments, and legal fees tied to lawsuits against Netflix and his divorce.
“The FBI will continue to hold accountable those who attempt to defraud businesses,” said Assistant Director Leslie Backschies.
