Nutrien agent linked to alleged cattle rustling bust to fight charges

The popular stock agent arrested as part of an alleged elaborate cattle rustling network in the State’s north says he plans to vigorously defend the charges. Daniel Wood, of Nutrien Harcourts, is scheduled to appear in the Carnarvon Magistrates Court on March 29. He was charged with five counts of property/money laundering. Mr Wood said he would vigorously defend the allegations but declined to comment further. Members of the livestock industry — shocked to learn of Mr Wood’s alleged involvement — describe him as a highly-regarded member of the rural community who had always operated with high integrity. Five people, including Mr Wood, have so far been arrested as part of the Rural Crime Squad’s Operation Topography. The operation was set up to combat an established criminal network involved in the theft and subsequent sale of cattle across the State. Richard Arends and Rachael Third of Edmund station in the Upper Gascoyne have also been charged in relation to the alleged theft and sale of 803 cattle valued at approximately $800,000. Police have said they are set to make further arrests in coming weeks.