Carl Erik Rinsch, best known for directing 47 Ronin, is facing serious legal trouble after being arrested on charges of wire fraud and money laundering. Federal prosecutors allege that Rinsch misused $11 million from Netflix—funds originally meant for his science fiction series White Horse, later renamed Conquest.
Between 2018 and 2020, Netflix reportedly paid Rinsch around $55 million to develop the series. However, the project never saw completion, let alone release. Prosecutors claim Rinsch funneled $11 million into personal brokerage accounts, engaging in high-risk investments, including cryptocurrency and stock options. While he suffered major losses, he allegedly turned $4 million into $27 million through Dogecoin trading.
Beyond trading, Rinsch’s lavish spending spree included:
Five Rolls-Royces and a Ferrari
Luxury watches, designer clothing, and high-end furniture
Expensive mattresses, linens, and rare antiques
Legal fees tied to his divorce
By early 2021, Netflix scrapped Conquest due to the lack of progress. An arbitrator later ruled that Rinsch owed the streaming giant $8.8 million in damages. Now, facing multiple felony charges, he could spend up to 90 years behind bars if convicted.
