Nigerian Sentenced for Selling Fake Nursing Credentials

Patrick Nwaokwu was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Deborah L. Boardman for his involvement in a scheme that sold fraudulent nursing diplomas, transcripts, and licenses.

Nwaokwu pleaded guilty to wire fraud, which was part of a larger conspiracy that defrauded individuals and regulatory bodies within the healthcare system. The scheme, which included the sale of fake nursing credentials, resulted in a loss of approximately $1.5 million, as revealed by the FBI in 2018.

Nwaokwu collaborated with Musa Bangura, who was previously sentenced to 13 months in prison, and others to sell these fraudulent documents, enabling unqualified individuals to obtain nursing licenses and secure jobs in the healthcare sector. This reckless action posed a serious risk to patient safety, potentially leading to harm or death.

The investigation was supported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Health and Human Services.