Silver-tongued Lindani Mangena posed as a successful City trader to systematically swindle more than 1,000 Seventh Day Adventists out of a total of £3.2 million.

London's Southwark Crown Court heard lies of 3,000% profits in six months saw some lose their homes and life savings while others were left struggling with mortgages and other bills.

In addition many had to forgo holidays, while large numbers were plunged into depression.

Much of their money was frittered away on a shopping list of multi-million pound properties, expensive cars and exotic holidays.

One hotel stay alone - in the glittering royal suite at Dubai's seven-star Burj al Arab hotel - cost £55,815.

Building surveyor Desmond Vincent, who lost £70,000, told the court: "We thought Lindani Mangena was like a modern-day Moses. I thought the Lord had blessed him. Now he couldn't sell me chewing gum."

Mangena, 24, of Maidstone Avenue, Romford, Essex, was found guilty of fraudulent trading between July 31, 2003, and March 1, 2004, money laundering, and carrying on an unauthorised investment business.

Partners-in-crime Dean Hinkson, 29, of Bensham Lane, West Croydon, and Curtis Powell, 31, of Hythe Road, Thornton Heath, were convicted of communicating an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity.