The case against a Riverina cattle breeder accused of swindling more than $2.5 million from farmers by on-selling animals that did not exist, were dead or had already been sold has been adjourned to determine who will prosecute it.
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Corey Dean Ireland was arrested in April following a police probe into the suspected fraudulent sale and trading of cattle in the region.
The Strike Force Seger investigation, led by the Rural Crime Prevention Unit, was formed in April 2019 after a series of reports were made to police.
Mr Ireland, of Kyeamba, was charged with eight counts of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception. He is yet to enter pleas to any of the charges.
Court documents state Mr Ireland allegedly entered business agreements with a number of farmers regarding the purchase, management or agistment of cattle, and obtained a financial advantage by selling or otherwise disposing of the animals.
Police allege Mr Ireland on-sold cattle that did not exist, were deceased prior to purchase or had been on-sold without their knowledge.
Each alleged offence ranged in value from $75,000 to $605,000.
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Investigators searched a rural property at Kyeamba in December, seizing computers and documentation. More than 400 Angus cows and calves were also inspected.
Mr Ireland, 45, was not required to appear when his case was mentioned for the second time in Wagga Local Court on Wednesday.
The case is currently with the police. However, it was previously adjourned for referral to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The DPP is responsible for prosecuting more serious offences that are traditionally heard in higher courts.
On Wednesday, Wagga solicitor Zac Tankard mentioned the matter on behalf of Sydney-based law firm Foulsham & Geddes and told the court Mr Ireland's legal team was yet to receive a response from the DPP.
Prosecutor Kate Williams confirmed the police were still in the matter.
Sergeant Williams said the case was referred to the DPP on June 26 but no correspondence had been received.
Magistrate Christopher Halburd adjourned the matter to allow time to clarify the DPP's involvement.
Mr Ireland remains on bail and will be excused if legally represented when the case returns to court on August 19.