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
U.S.-Mexico agricultural trade faces uncertainty in 2026 as tariffs and cartel violence threaten farmers and ranchers. Congressman Henry Cuellar and Texas leaders weigh in on impacts and risks.
Farm Bureau economist Danny Munch explains the importance of timely enrollment, and how the program helps dairy producers safeguard their operations against volatile milk markets.
The Ranger Road Fire is fully contained after burning nearly 300,000 acres. Ranchers face significant cattle and fence losses, with recovery efforts underway.
USDA Farmer Bridge Assistance payments could begin this weekend as producers face tight margins, shifting acreage expectations, cattle herd contraction, and growing pressure for a stronger farm safety net.
Three junior heifer exhibitors continue their trek through the Texas Swing at the San Antonio Stock Show, balancing competition, friendship, and life on the road.
Nick Westgerdes of the American Society of Farm Managers & Rural Appraisers breaks down farmland values, rental rates, and sales trends in Illinois, while previewing the upcoming land values conference for 2026.

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:

Mexican livestock officials are emphasizing surveillance and inspection systems to preserve access to the U.S. cattle export market. Texas’ Bovina Feeders explains the rising stakes as the border stays closed.
University of Arkansas’ Allen Szalanski discusses a news study on rice stink bugs, what it could mean for farmers, and pest management strategies for the future.
Weak crop margins and tariff uncertainty are delaying machinery purchases and signaling slower capital investment across U.S. agriculture.
Farm Bureau Economist Dr. Faith Parum explains the role farm safety net programs play in supporting farm finances as growers head into the 2026 planting season.
Corn demand is rising thanks to ethanol expansion, yet year-round E15 remains missing from the Farm Bill—leaving farmers questioning the policy gap.
Real Ag’s Shaun Haney explains how farmers are approaching risk management and the steps they’re taking to strengthen profitability through better financial planning.