Washington pastor Cristian Popescu accused of $13 million investment fraud targeting over 30 investors; allegedly told church members God chose them to invest and called critics demonically possessed

A Washington pastor has been indicted on federal charges of wire fraud and money laundering over an alleged $13 million investment scheme that prosecutors say targeted members of his own congregation. Cristian Popescu, 46, pastor of Passion for Christ, a Christian congregation in Kirkland, Washington, allegedly persuaded more than 30 investors to invest in a company he claimed was a successful online marketplace preparing for a stock market listing.According to a press release issued by the US Department of Justice (DOJ), Popescu pleaded not guilty when he appeared in US District Court in Seattle. He faces 10 counts of wire fraud and five counts of money laundering. His trial is scheduled for December 21, 2026. He has been released under electronic monitoring while awaiting trial, despite prosecutors’ objections.The indictment alleges that Popescu used his position as a pastor to gain investors’ trust and misrepresented the financial health and prospects of Followone Inc., a Bellevue-based company he claimed to operate.Pastor allegedly used faith to attract investorsAccording to the DOJ, Popescu began promoting Followone as early as 2015, presenting it as a global online marketplace and social networking platform through which users could buy and sell products and services, including cars, real estate, healthcare, food and travel.Prosecutors allege that the platform was largely non-functional and that Popescu misled investors about its operations, revenue and valuation. He allegedly claimed the company was generating millions of dollars, that investments were appreciating and that Followone was approaching a Nasdaq listing.The indictment further alleges that Popescu used his religious standing to convince members of his congregation to invest. He reportedly told them that God had chosen them for the opportunity and that their investments would support the church’s mission. He also allegedly assured investors that their money would remain in the company and could be withdrawn at any time.Acting US Attorney Charles Neil Floyd said the defendant allegedly created the appearance of a valuable online marketplace before using investors’ money for personal benefit.“As alleged in the indictment, this defendant created the mirage of a successful, valuable online marketplace and social media site in one,” Floyd said, according to the DOJ statement.Company allegedly valued at $1.4 billion despite having little valueProsecutors allege that Popescu used misleading press releases, websites and expensive office space to make Followone appear to be a thriving business. He allegedly claimed that the company had recruited top software engineers and employed 20 people, although the indictment says only three people worked there.Popescu also allegedly maintained a website that showed purported growth in investors’ holdings and claimed Followone was worth $1.4 billion, despite allegedly knowing that the business had little or no value.The company rented expensive offices in Bellevue to reinforce its image, according to prosecutors. It was eventually evicted after allegedly accumulating more than $350,000 in unpaid rent.Investors allegedly urged to withdraw savings and take loansThe DOJ said Popescu allegedly encouraged investors to commit substantial sums to Followone, telling them they could secure positions on the company’s board if they invested $1 million.According to the indictment, he urged some investors to access retirement accounts, take out personal or home equity loans, and use money saved for their children’s college education.Prosecutors also allege that Popescu imposed strict communication requirements. Investors were reportedly asked to sign non-disclosure agreements and use encrypted messaging services. During meetings, he allegedly instructed them to switch off their phones and other smart devices.When investors later asked for their money back, Popescu allegedly delayed repayment, claiming that returning funds could jeopardise the planned stock market listing. He also allegedly invoked his religious position when challenged and told some investors they were demonically possessed.FBI Seattle Special Agent in Charge W. Mike Herrington said the charges allege that Popescu exploited the trust of fellow believers through promises of a future stock market listing and claims that the profits would benefit the community.More than $4.5 million allegedly transferred to family accountsAccording to the indictment, more than $4.5 million in Followone funds was allegedly transferred to accounts belonging to Popescu, his wife and other family members.Prosecutors further allege that Popescu paid himself more than $1 million in wages from the company between 2017 and 2024. His wife, who allegedly was not employed by Followone, received approximately $300,000.The wire fraud charges relate to alleged investment solicitations and payments, while the money laundering counts concern alleged transfers from Followone accounts to Popescu’s personal account. The indictment cites individual investments that included nearly $1 million in one transaction, as well as other sums of approximately $600,000 and $500,000.IRS Criminal Investigation Seattle Field Office Special Agent in Charge Carrie Nordyke said financial crimes can cause significant harm to victims, particularly when offenders allegedly abuse positions of trust.Trial scheduled for December 2026The case is being investigated by the FBI and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation division. Assistant US Attorney Seth Wilkinson is prosecuting the case.Wire fraud carries a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Money laundering carries a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The maximum penalties do not indicate what sentence, if any, would be imposed.Popescu has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to stand trial on December 21, 2026. The DOJ has clarified that the indictment contains allegations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.