The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has filed charges in the Auckland District Court against a television producer for allegedly obtaining fraudulent lending and funding for television productions.

The SFO has filed 33 charges against Alexander Breingan, alleging he made false representations and used forged documents to obtain more than $4.3 million in Government-funded rebates and $10.2 million in lending.

The alleged offending relates to the financing of 13 television programmes that were produced, or proposed to be produced, by Mr Breingan through his Stripe Studios companies.

This matter was referred to the SFO by the New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) who raised concerns in relation to applications made on behalf of entities associated to Stripe Media for the New Zealand Screen Production Rebate.

Mr Breingan is currently residing overseas and is yet to appear in Court.

About the SFO

The SFO is responsible for investigating and prosecuting serious or complex fraud, including bribery, and corruption in New Zealand. With a focus on maintaining integrity and trust in the financial system, the SFO has developed strategic areas of focus to ensure it has the greatest impact with the cases it takes on.

SFO Strategic Areas of Focus: https://sfo.govt.nz/fraud-and-corruption/what-we-do/strategic-areas-of-focus/

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