Phantom cows and missing millions spark financial scandal in Uruguay Investors unable to locate cows they bought, losses reach $350 million19 May 2025 19 May 2025 7 minute read 7 minute read By: By: Global Ag Media South AmericaSandra Palleiro is on the hunt for her lost cows. Behind the wheel was Gustavo Basso, one of the co-owners of Conexión Ganadera, which had boomed since opening in 1999. Lawyers representing Conexión Ganadera said they were unable to comment on legal proceedings until testimony was given in court. Victims want to know how authorities failed to spot the problems despite the cattle registry. There are several open investigations into Conexión Ganadera, the biggest of the three.