Pastor Indicted for $5.9M Crypto Scam He Claimed Came From a Dream
2025-01-16
A pastor from a Pasco, Washington church has been indicted on 26 counts of fraud for allegedly running a cryptocurrency scam that defrauded investors of at least $5.9 million between 2021 and 2023. Francier Obando Pinillo, 51, reportedly used his position to lure investors into 'Solano Fi,' a fraudulent cryptocurrency venture he claimed came to him in a dream, promising guaranteed returns. He utilized Facebook and a Telegram group to expand his reach, attracting over 1,500 victims. The indictment alleges Pinillo misappropriated funds, displaying fake balances on a web app and employing tactics like extortion to keep the scheme going. He now faces up to 20 years in prison.