Pastor’s $2M scam real gem, feds say

Solanky, 61, broadcasts "Vandana" on the South Asian Gospel Network and runs a Web site of the same name. He's run the Orange County ministry since 1988.

"Its main purpose is to communicate the love of God toward human beings and to reveal the ultimate plan for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ the Son of God," the site says.

Prosecutors say Solanky hatched a plan to get investors - many of whom he met through his religious work - to put their cash into a phony gemstone business by promising a 100% return.

Following his Tuesday arrest, Solanky told Postal Inspector John Marsh that he needed the cash to send to individuals in Nigeria who'd contacted him by e-mail 3-1/2 years ago.