A man has been charged with allegedly stealing wagyu cattle semen and embryos from a prestigious livestock producer he worked for in Grafton, northern NSW.
The 34-year-old was arrested by detectives from NSW Police’s Rural Crime Prevention Team this week following a lengthy Strike Force investigation.
Police allege that in early 2024, the man was directed by his employer to sell 200 recipient and empty cattle, which are animals that can’t breed.
However, the man allegedly secretly sold 45 fullblood wagyu cows and heifers as part of the sale, before using a third-party buyer to purchase them for himself.
The 45 fullblood cattle were purchased at a greatly reduced price compared to their true value, with police alleging the man gained a financial advantage of almost $100,000.
“Police allege the man stole embryos, semen and cattle from his employer,” NSW Police said.
“During one of the search warrants, police allegedly located and seized a genetic liquid nitrogen storage tank which contained stolen cattle semen, with a total value of $100,000”.
The man has since been charged with over 20 offences including steal cattle, take and use others cattle, obtaining financial advantage by deception and commit an act of aggravated cruelty upon an animal.
He has been granted conditional bail to appear at Grafton Local Court on Monday 4 August.
Investigations under Strike Force Newbury continue.
