Hollywood filmmaker Carl Erik Rinsch has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison after being convicted of defrauding Netflix of $11 million meant for the production of a science fiction series.
According to US prosecutors, Netflix had provided Rinsch around $55 million for the project, including an additional $11 million that he claimed was needed to complete the series. Instead of using the money for production, he allegedly transferred the funds to his personal account and spent them on cryptocurrency investments and luxury items, including Rolls-Royce cars and expensive mattresses.
Rinsch, best known for directing “47 Ronin” (2013), was found guilty of federal fraud and money laundering. Along with the prison sentence, the court ordered three years of supervised release, $11 million in forfeiture, and imposed a $700 fine.
Before sentencing, Rinsch apologised in court and accepted responsibility for his actions. US Attorney Jay Clayton said the punishment sends a clear message that financial fraud will not be tolerated.
The science fiction series, originally titled “White Horse,” was never completed despite Netflix’s investment. (Agencies)
