Man arrested for allegedly stealing thousands of dollars worth of wagyu semen and embryos in Grafton, NSW
A man has been charged after allegedly stealing cow semen and embryos from a premium wagyu company in northern NSW, following a yearlong investigation.
The man, identified as 34-year-old Eric Fraser by the Daily Telegraph, worked for livestock producer Sumo Wagyu Genetics in Grafton, when he was asked by his boss to sell 200 empty cows in early 2024.
Empty cows are heifers which are unable to carry a calf.
Police allege Fraser sneaked 45 full-blood wagyu cows into the mix, which can be worth several thousand dollars more than empty cattle, and used a third party to buy 114 cows, including the full-blood cattle.
Investigators believe Fraser gained financial advantage of almost $100,000 from the reduced price, and the cattle were worth $132,000.
Sumo Wagyu's website describes the company as one of the 'true pioneers' of the Australian Wagyu industry, producing the most 'genetically elite' wagyu in the country.
As part of the investigation, extensive genetic testing was conducted on 500 cows across the region, including properties at Southgate, Elland, MyIneford and Belmore River.
Police also located stolen cattle semen within a genetic liquid nitrogen tank, with an estimated value of $100,000.
A 48-year-old veterinarian was also arrested the day before Fraser.
The man allegedly produced false documentation stating he had cared for six bulls, after investigators ordered Fraser seek treatment as they had fallen ill.
It's alleged the vet did not care for the cattle, which resulted in two of them dying.
The 48-year-old was charged with commit an act of aggravate cruelty upon an animal, being in charge of an animal fail to provide vet treatment, and do act intending to pervert the course of justice.
Fraser was charged with 20 offences, including two counts of steal cattle, three counts of take and use others cattle, two counts of dishonestly obtain property by deception, and one count of commit an act of aggravated cruelty upon an animal.
He will appear at Grafton Local Court on August 4, the 48-year-old vet will appear on August 11.
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