FBI: Suspect in $220M Cattle Investment Fraud Arrested in California

A man accused of orchestrating a nationwide cattle investment fraud scheme has been arrested in California after being on the FBI’s wanted list.

joshua-link_cattle_adobe-stock_FBI.jpg

Joshua Link was arrested on March 9 at LAX Airport by Customs and Border Patrol, LAX Airport Police, and FBI Task Force Officers from the Los Angeles Police Department. (2026)

Federal Bureau of Investigation; Adobe Stock

DENVER, COLO. (RFD NEWS) — 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.

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.

A federal arrest warrant for Link was issued on January 29, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. Investigators say he has ties to multiple states, including Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, Arkansas, Colorado, and Arizona.

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

Related Stories
The ag trade deficit is narrowing, but export competition remains strong.
As a part of the International Year of the Woman Farmer, women across the state are being recognized for shaping the future of agricutlure.
As the strike at a JBS facility in Colorado continues, the National Right to Work Foundation is encouraging some employees to consider returning to work. The group says not all workers on strike may want to participate and urges those who choose to cross the picket line to resign from their union memberships.
At the Port of Brownsville, shrimpers are facing rising operating costs and increased competition, but many shrimp producers and local lawmakers remain optimistic about the industry’s future.
Higher prices are bringing relief to markets, but rising input costs are putting pressure on the producers.
Governor Jim Pillen joined us to share the latest on the Nebraska wildfires, discuss relief efforts, and outline considerations for producers navigating the ongoing situation.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Premieres on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 7:30 PM ET
EPA estimates the rule could generate more than $10 billion for rural economies and support over 100,000 jobs across agriculture and manufacturing sectors.
White House hosts “Celebration of Agriculture” as Trump administration signals new farmer support, including potential tax breaks and upcoming renewable fuel policy updates.
Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Michael Kelsey joined us to discuss wildfire impacts across the Southern Plains, the importance of community support, and the path forward for affected producers.
As ag lawmakers in the Senate await the House vote on the Farm Bill, they are eager to discuss the challenges farmers face before it is their turn to take up the critical legislation.
Elena Chavez with Halter provided insight into the company’s virtual fencing technology, its adoption in the U.S., and the impact of recent funding on ranching operations.