Wagyu embryos, semen and cattle recovered after alleged fraud in NSW
Police have charged Eric Keddie Fraser in Grafton, New South Wales, with more than 20 offences including the alleged theft of the highly valuable genetic material at a wagyu cattle farm in the state's north.
The charges also relate to the allegedly fraudulent purchase of cattle from the man's employer at a bargain price.
Inspector Cameron Whiteside from the NSW Police Rural Crime Prevention Team said the charges followed a year-long investigation.
"In early 2024 .. strike force Newbury [was established] following allegations of fraud and stolen genetics from a wagyu cattle farm in Grafton," he said.
"Following extensive inquiries which resulted in the execution of search warrants this year in March and April in the Grafton area and other locations around the state, police executed a total of seven search warrants.
Mr Fraser, 34, is accused by police of deceitfully obtaining nearly $100,000 in profits in a clandestine deal involving cattle belonging to his employer.
After he was asked by his employer to sell 200 cattle, police allege Mr Fraser covertly purchased 114 animals for himself, including 45 full-blood wagyu cattle at a greatly reduced price, concealing his involvement by using a third party to conduct the sale.
"Police will allege that the man sold 45 full-blood wagyu cows and heifers as part of a sale contrary to his employer's direction," Inspector Whiteside said.
In March, police mustered more than 500 cattle as part of the investigation and searched properties in Southgate, Elland, Mylneford and Belmore River.
At one property, police recovered a genetic liquid nitrogen storage tank containing allegedly stolen cattle semen.
Mr Fraser was arrested at Grafton Police Station on Tuesday and charged with 20 offences in relation to the alleged fraud.
They include dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception, stealing cattle and aggravated animal cruelty offences.
Demand for premium Australian wagyu beef remains high across international markets, fetching as much as $450 per kilo in some cases.
A Grafton veterinarian was also charged with animal cruelty offences after police encountered six sick wagyu bulls during a search of a Southgate property in March.
After being instructed to seek treatment for the animals, police allege the 34-year-old hired a veterinarian who produced fake documents instead of providing care.
A 48-year-old man was arrested at a Grafton veterinary clinic after two Wagyu bulls allegedly died.
Both men have been granted bail to appear in Grafton Local Court in August.
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