Nigerian man Patrick Nwaokwu jailed 21 months in the US for nursing diploma fraud scheme involving fake licences and transcripts

United States District Court for the District of Maryland, United States, on Tuesday, 27 April 2026, sentenced Nigerian national Patrick Nwaokwu of Laurel to 21 months in federal prison for his role in a fraudulent nursing diploma and licence scheme.

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Judge Deborah L. Boardman handed down the sentence after Nwaokwu pleaded guilty to wire fraud, concluding a case that exposed large-scale manipulation of healthcare certification processes.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation disclosed in a statement on its official X account that Nwaokwu conspired with others to sell fake nursing diplomas, transcripts, and licences to unsuspecting individuals seeking employment in the healthcare sector.

Prosecutors said Nwaokwu worked with multiple associates, including individuals linked to institutions identified in court documents, to produce and distribute falsified academic and professional records.

Investigators revealed that the scheme generated more than $1.5 million in fraudulent proceeds, with documents backdated to falsely show that applicants had completed required nursing training.

Authorities said the operation also involved assisting buyers in manipulating licensing examinations to obtain Registered Nurse and Licensed Practical Nurse certifications without proper qualification.

Nwaokwu reportedly charged about $17,000 for Registered Nurse certificates and between $6,000 and $10,000 for Licensed Practical Nurse certificates, targeting individuals seeking quick entry into the healthcare profession.

U.S. prosecutors warned that the scheme posed serious risks to public safety, as unqualified individuals were able to secure jobs in hospitals and care facilities.

They noted that the actions exposed patients to potential harm, including risk of injury and death, due to falsified credentials within the healthcare system.

One of Nwaokwu’s co-conspirators had earlier been sentenced to 13 months in prison for a related offence, as authorities continue to clamp down on fraudulent healthcare certification networks.

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The FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General were commended for their joint investigation into the case.