TV producer Alexander Breingan’s applications declined
Television producer Alexander Breingan, who faces charges of dishonestly obtaining funding for television productions, had his application to attend future court appearances from the United States declined.
The Serious Fraud Office filed 33 charges against Mr Breingan for allegedly making false representations and using 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.
A warrant for his arrest was issued in November 2025, and in May this year, the SFO began the process to extradite Mr Breingan from the United States
Mr Breingan pleaded not guilty to all charges at the Auckland District Court last Thursday, where he appeared via video-link from Los Angeles. He also requested to have his arrest warrant withdrawn and to attend future court appearances remotely. The prosecution opposed the requests.
The Court issued its decision yesterday, dismissing both applications.
Mr Breingan is next due to appear in the Auckland District Court on 25 November 2026.
* Please note: This press release has been updated to apply suppression orders issued on November 3, 2026, and to clarify the SFO has begun the process to extradite Mr Breingan from the United States, but has yet to lodge a formal application.