Netflix funds were embezzled by the director to buy luxury cars and invest in Dogecoin

In 2018, streaming platform Netflix reportedly invested millions of dollars in a sci-fi project called Conquest. But the company has not received a single promised episode. Instead, the series' co-creator and director, Carl Erik Rinsch, allegedly not only abused the cast and crew, but also squandered the millions on luxury cars, designer clothes, and virtual currency.

Prior to Conquest, Rinsch had directed just one bad movie, 47 Ronin, starring Keanu, which was neither a critical nor commercial success.

But he is a disciple of Ridley Scott, the director of classic science fiction works such as "Alien" and "Blade Runner", and is responsible for advertising business in Scott's production company.

He began filming the sci-fi series part-time in the studio with his wife, about a genius who created a new humanoid species called "organic intelligence." He shot a short concept video and attracted the attention of several streaming giants. Netflix promised a huge project fee and gave him the final editing rights, which eventually won the bid.

The New York Times interviewed crew members and actors on the project, and released many text messages and emails, as well as divorce court documents from Rinsch and his wife, showing that he began to behave strangely shortly after signing the contract. The show was originally filmed in Sao Paulo and then in Uruguay and Hungary. The Brazilian Film Union complained that he abused the crew and kept "shouting" and "swearing." Lynch allegedly stayed up all day in Budapest and accused his wife of trying to assassinate him, even throwing objects at his wife before filming began and punching holes in the wall with his fists.

In March 2020, Rinsch asked Netflix to give him more money, and even though he had missed several production delivery deadlines, Netflix still gave him $11 million. Rinsch then transferred $10.5 million of it to his personal financial account. According to statements from banks and brokerage firms included in the divorce case, he lost money in the stock market, but made a lot of money on Dogecoin investments, and then he bought 5 Rolls-Royces, 1 Ferrari, and a lot of designer clothes and furniture.

After Netflix stopped funding the project, Rinsch initiated arbitration, claiming that Netflix breached the contract and in turn owed him $14 million in damages. Netflix denied any money was owed. He also declined a request for comment from The New York Times and posted on social networks that he did not believe the news report was "accurate." Netflix spokesman Thomas Cherian told the Times: "After a great deal of time and effort, it became clear that Mr. Rinsch would never be able to complete the project he had been producing, so we canceled the project."

Rinsch’s arbitration was filed this month, and a ruling is expected soon.