Man Arrested in California for Nationwide $220 Million Cattle Investment Fraud

Joshua Robert Link accused of orchestrating a scheme that defrauded over 2,000 investors across multiple states.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 5:21pm

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A man accused of orchestrating a nationwide cattle investment fraud scheme has been arrested in California after being on the FBI's wanted list. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Joshua Robert Link was taken into custody on March 9 at Los Angeles International Airport by Customs and Border Protection officers, airport police, and FBI task force agents. Link had been wanted on federal charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud tied to an alleged investment scheme involving cattle contracts sold through his company, Agridime LLC.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing threat of large-scale investment fraud schemes that can have devastating impacts on thousands of victims across the country. The alleged $220 million fraud perpetrated by Link and his co-conspirators underscores the importance of robust financial regulations and law enforcement efforts to protect investors, especially those targeting vulnerable populations.

The details

Federal investigators say that between January 2021 and December 2023, Link and his alleged co-conspirators promoted cattle investment contracts promising returns between 15% and 32%. Investors were told the company would purchase cattle, feed and process them, and then sell the meat through Agridime's distribution network. Authorities allege that in reality the company purchased only a fraction of the cattle it claimed to buy, resulting in approximately $220 million in losses to more than 2,000 investors nationwide.

  • On March 9, 2026, Link was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport by Customs and Border Protection officers, airport police, and FBI task force agents.
  • A federal arrest warrant for Link was issued on January 29, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas.

The players

Joshua Robert Link

The man accused of orchestrating a nationwide cattle investment fraud scheme through his company, Agridime LLC.

Agridime LLC

The company through which Link and his alleged co-conspirators promoted cattle investment contracts promising high returns, but in reality purchased only a fraction of the cattle it claimed to buy.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

The law enforcement agency that led the investigation into Link's alleged fraud scheme and coordinated his arrest at Los Angeles International Airport.

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What’s next

Link is expected to face federal prosecution in Texas in connection with the alleged fraud scheme.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of robust financial regulations and law enforcement efforts to protect investors, especially those targeting vulnerable populations, from large-scale investment fraud schemes that can cause significant financial harm to thousands of victims.