Pastor Ponzi used his divine position to fleece over 1,500 unsuspecting souls out of $5.9 million between 2021 and 2023.

According to the US Department of Justice Pinillo spun an elaborate web of deceit, luring his congregation into a sketchy crypto scheme dubbed "Solano Fi." The pastor claimed this "golden" opportunity was divinely inspired, having "come to him in a dream." Christian angels often give financial tips, unless they are impregnating virgins. Pinillo promised his flock that Solano Fi was the safest investment around—guaranteed returns, no risk.

The scheming shepherd set up a Facebook page and a Telegram group titled 'Multimillionarios SolanoFi,' which attracted a crowd of 1,500 hopefuls. He dangled promises of 34.9 per cent monthly returns, urging his followers to transfer their precious crypto to wallets under his control.

Instead of  investing their funds, our Pastor Ponzi allegedly splurged it on personal luxuries.

Victims were given access to a slick Solano Fi app, where they saw their fake fortunes grow. Encouraged to bring in more investors for extra perks, the victims unknowingly expanded Pinillo's circle of deceit.

However, whenever they tried to withdraw their "profits," the app denied their requests.