A dairy industry scientist imprisoned for fraud

By ANUJA NADKARNI on Wednesday, 18 October 2017

A former dairy scientist charged with fraud has been sentenced in the Auckland District Court to six years' imprisonment.

Trevor Lock, owner of Nubiotics and Nu-brands, was found guilty of 18 charges under the Crimes Act and two laid by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) last month.

Lock entered into a number of contracts to supply dairy and honey products, but used customer deposits to fund personal or other business expenses and then failed to deliver on the contracts.

SFO director Julie Read said Lock's deception, risked the reputation of New Zealand's primary industry. 

"With callous disregard for the consequences of his actions, Mr Lock deceived his customers and their agents. He caused significant financial and reputational loss to his victims and in many cases personal suffering," Read said.

Lock's sentence also includes six months' imprisonment for providing false information to the the watchdog while under investigation.

He was arrested in Morrinsville in 2015 following an SFO investigation into his activities with Nubiotics and Nu-brands. 

Lock had set up various companies as providers of milk powder and honey products, targeting the Chinese export market.

Nubiotics was placed in receivership and liquidation in 2014, owing over $1 million.

The company began trading in 2012, sourcing and blending milk powder for wholesalers, but after failing to complete a number of contracts, creditors applied to the High Court to have it liquidated.

Source: Stuff.co.nz