Film producer Carl Erik Rinsch is facing wire fraud and money laundering charges in the United States for allegedly misappropriating $11 million in funds from Netflix. The funds were originally intended for Rinsch's sci-fi series Conquest (formerly titled White Horse).
According to an indictment unsealed in federal court on March 18, prosecutors allege that Rinsch transferred $10.5 million of the $11 million into securities accounts for high-risk stock speculation, losing over $5.5 million in a biopharmaceutical company warrant transaction. Simultaneously, Rinsch allegedly misrepresented the production progress of the series to Netflix.
While the indictment does not directly name Netflix, it echoes issues between Netflix and Rinsch reported by The New York Times in November 2023. Netflix canceled the production of Conquest in early 2021, citing Rinsch's erratic behavior, after having already paid him a total of $55 million.
Netflix Producer Accused of Using Thousands of Dollars to Invest in Cryptocurrency and Purchase Luxury Items
Prosecutors state that after gaining millions of dollars in profits from cryptocurrency investments in February 2021, Rinsch pivoted from investing in the production of Conquest and instead used the funds to purchase luxury items, including nearly $3.8 million in furniture and banquets, five Rolls Royce trucks, a Ferrari, and over $3 million worth of luxury watches and high-end clothing. Furthermore, Rinsch is accused of using nearly $1.8 million for defense debt and $1 million to cover legal fees, including those related to a lawsuit he filed against Netflix and divorce-related expenses.
Rinsch is charged with one count of wire fraud, one count of money laundering, and five counts of engaging in monetary transactions using illegally derived funds. The fraud and money laundering charges carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison each, while the financial transaction charges could add an additional 10 years per count. Rinsch was arrested on March 18, and the case will be heard by Judge Jed Rakoff in New York federal court. His lawyer, Annie Carney, has not yet responded to requests for comment.
It is worth noting that this case is similar to past instances of Hollywood film producers becoming embroiled in litigation due to financial disputes. For example, Harvey Weinstein once accused his brother Bob Weinstein and others of concealing the company's financial situation, leading him to personal debt of $45 million.
This case further highlights the ongoing legal battles between Rinsch and Netflix. Last year, arbitrators ruled that Netflix was entitled to $8.8 million in damages due to infringement claims made by Rinsch, who claimed that Netflix had breached contract and owed him at least $14 million. However, former Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Rita Miller ruled that Rinsch's expenses were unrelated to film production. With these new charges, Rinsch may face even harsher legal consequences.
