Federal investigators in South Florida dismantled a network of diploma mills that sold roughly 15,000 counterfeit nursing credentials nationwide. The operation generated $250 million in proceeds from the sale of documents priced between $10,000 and $20,000 per diploma. Recipients used these credentials to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination, obtain professional licenses, and secure employment at hospitals.

Operation Nightingale resulted in the conviction of 43 individuals involved in the scheme. State regulators are currently revoking the licenses of nursing professionals who used the fraudulent diplomas to enter the healthcare system. The investigation found that these fake credentials allowed buyers to bypass required medical training while operating inside the healthcare system.