Scam Exposed: Canadian Arrested in $210K Energy Fraud in Nigeria

Scam Exposed: Canadian Arrested in $210K Energy Fraud in Nigeria

Scam activities shattered the hopes of Tepison Enterprises, a company in Akwa Ibom after a man tricked them into investing $210,000 in a fake Waste-to-Energy project. He promised innovation and clean energy, but delivered nothing—only lies wrapped in convincing words and forged documents.

Robert Harms, a Canadian national, stands at the heart of this web of lies. He promised to connect the Nigerian company with a groundbreaking project in Canada. But in reality, he was weaving a fraudulent tale, complete with fake documents and forged agreements.

Tepison Enterprises, eager to invest in the future, took Harms at his word. They never imagined they were sending over a large sum to a criminal mastermind who had no intention of bringing any project to fruition.

Police spokesperson ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi confirmed that Harms’s arrest followed a petition filed by Tepison Enterprises after they realized they had been defrauded. Harms had used a fabricated Project Bridge Loan Agreement to trick the company, directing the investment funds to a Dubai bank account via a bureau de change in Abuja.

The plot unraveled quickly. Investigations revealed that Harms had no affiliation with the Canadian firm he claimed to represent, VDQ-NRG Systems Limited. When police contacted the company’s real CEO, they found no link between Harms and the business. “We don’t know him,” the CEO said, making it clear that Harms had been operating alone.

On February 7, 2025, Harms was arrested at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja as he tried to leave Nigeria. During questioning, he admitted to receiving the $210,000 and violating the investment agreement. This confession set the stage for the criminal charges filed against him in April.

Harms’s case was brought before the Federal High Court in Uyo on May 9, 2025, and he was remanded at the Uyo Custodial Centre. The court adjourned his trial to May 20, 2025.

The fraud has shaken Tepison Enterprises to its core. Company representatives were eager to invest in the promising Waste-to-Energy sector, hoping it would change the course of their business and contribute to Nigeria’s growing need for clean energy. But instead of green innovation, they now face a huge financial loss and a broken trust.

“They convinced us that this project would transform our future,” a Tepison representative shared, clearly disappointed. “We were deceived.”

Authorities have yet to reveal whether any of the stolen funds have been recovered, but they warned Nigerian businesses to take extra precautions when dealing with international investors. “Always verify the legitimacy of investment opportunities,” Adejobi said. “Double-check affiliations and use trusted channels.”

The Canadian embassy has not publicly commented on the case, leaving many to wonder if Harms’s actions reflect poorly on Canada’s reputation in business dealings abroad. Nigerian law enforcement, however, remains vigilant and committed to tracking down fraudsters who prey on hopeful investors.

This case is just one example of a growing trend of international scams targeting Nigerian businesses. In a climate where companies are eager to partner with foreign firms to build the future, fraudsters are exploiting the trust and enthusiasm of well-meaning enterprises.

Tepison Enterprises, for all its loss, has turned its attention toward recovery. It’s working with the authorities to recover what was stolen, but the emotional toll remains. Staff, managers, and executives are reeling from the betrayal, unsure of how to move forward after trusting a con artist so completely.

“It’s not just about the money,” a company representative explained. “It’s about the future we were building.”

As Harms’s trial continues, the impact of his scam ripples far beyond his arrest. For Tepison Enterprises, the road to recovery will be long. But it’s clear that this shocking scam has served as a hard lesson for businesses across Nigeria about the need for caution in international deals.