Director Charged with Defrauding Netflix of $11 Million for Unfinished Sci-Fi Series

Carl Erik Rinsch allegedly misused funds intended for 'White Horse,' funneling them into personal investments and luxury purchases.

Carl Erik Rinsch, known for directing '47 Ronin,' was arrested and charged with wire fraud and money laundering after allegedly defrauding Netflix of $11 million.
Netflix initially funded Rinsch's sci-fi series 'White Horse' with $44 million, later providing an additional $11 million in 2020 to complete the project, which was never delivered.
Prosecutors allege Rinsch transferred the funds to personal accounts, losing over half in failed stock market trades and investing the remainder in cryptocurrency, which yielded profits.
Rinsch reportedly spent $10 million of the funds on luxury items, including cars, furniture, and legal fees, while falsely assuring Netflix that production was progressing.
If convicted on all charges, Rinsch faces up to 90 years in prison; Netflix has declined to comment on the case.