A pastor in Washington State, United States, has been indicted on federal fraud and money laundering charges after prosecutors accused him of using his religious position to persuade church members and other investors to contribute millions of dollars to a business that allegedly had no meaningful commercial operations. Investigators claim he diverted substantial amounts for personal expenses while maintaining the appearance of a successful technology company.
Cristian Popescu, 46, a Romanian citizen residing in Bothell and pastor of Passion for Christ Church in Kirkland, appeared before the United States District Court in Seattle on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. He pleaded not guilty to 10 counts of wire fraud and five counts of money laundering arising from an alleged $13 million investment scheme. The United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Washington announced the charges, with his trial scheduled for December 21.
According to federal prosecutors, Popescu established a company known as Followone Inc., based in Bellevue, and promoted it as an international online marketplace combined with a social networking platform. He claimed the business would allow customers to purchase goods and services across several industries, including automobiles, property, healthcare, food and travel.
The indictment alleges that Popescu began promoting the business no later than 2015, presenting it as an innovative technology enterprise with significant commercial prospects. Investors were reportedly told that the company had developed advanced technology capable of supporting transactions across different markets and generating substantial revenue.
Federal investigators, however, alleged that the company's platform consisted largely of non-functional web pages and lacked the ability to complete the commercial transactions described in its promotional materials. Prosecutors said Followone had no meaningful revenue despite claims that it was already generating millions of dollars.
Popescu allegedly relied heavily on his position as a pastor to attract investors from his congregation. According to the indictment, he told some church members that God had selected them to participate in the investment and that their financial contributions would support the church's mission of assisting the community.
The alleged promises included benefits for children and elderly residents, connecting the proposed investment with charitable objectives. Prosecutors contend that such representations encouraged congregants to trust the business because of their existing relationship with Popescu as a religious leader.
Investors were reportedly assured that their contributions would remain within Followone or secure accounts and that they could withdraw their money whenever necessary. Prosecutors allege that these assurances were misleading and that the money was instead transferred through accounts connected to Popescu and his family.
The indictment states that more than 30 investors contributed at least $13 million. Some allegedly obtained money by withdrawing retirement savings, borrowing against their homes or accessing funds intended for their children's education after being encouraged to invest in the business.
Popescu also allegedly offered investors positions on the company's board if their contributions reached $1 million. Prosecutors said the promise was part of a broader effort to persuade individuals to commit larger amounts to the venture.
To reinforce the appearance of commercial success, Popescu reportedly issued promotional statements describing Followone's expansion and technological capabilities. He allegedly claimed that the company employed experienced software engineers recruited from major technology businesses, including Amazon and Microsoft.
Investigators said the company rented expensive office accommodation in downtown Bellevue and presented itself as an established enterprise with approximately 20 employees. Federal prosecutors alleged that only three other individuals actually worked there and that their activities largely involved producing web pages without functioning commercial features.
The indictment further alleges that Popescu used publicly available listings to create the appearance of an active marketplace. Vehicle and property information was reportedly incorporated into the platform even though the company lacked the operational capacity represented to prospective investors.
Prosecutors said Popescu also created websites displaying purported increases in the value of investors' holdings. At one stage, Followone was allegedly presented as having a valuation of $1.4 billion, despite possessing few significant assets and generating no substantial commercial income.
Another central claim concerned a proposed listing on the Nasdaq stock exchange. Investors were allegedly told that Followone was preparing to enter the public market, creating expectations that their investments would increase considerably in value.
Federal authorities contend that the proposed listing was used to maintain investor confidence and discourage requests for repayment. The indictment alleges that Popescu cited the supposed listing process and an ongoing audit when investors sought to recover their money.
The prosecution also described measures allegedly designed to restrict communication about the business. Investors were reportedly required to sign confidentiality agreements and communicate through encrypted messaging services.
During some meetings, Popescu allegedly instructed participants to switch off their telephones and disable smart devices. Investigators presented these practices as part of the arrangements surrounding his communications with investors.
The indictment states that Popescu became hostile when investors questioned the company's financial position or demanded repayment. He allegedly invoked his pastoral authority and accused some concerned investors of being demonically possessed.
Federal prosecutors further alleged that Popescu used companies under his control to create the appearance of legitimate commercial transactions. Money was reportedly transferred through these entities using invoices that investigators described as fictitious.
According to the United States Attorney's Office, more than $4.5 million was transferred from Followone to accounts belonging to Popescu, his wife and other family members. The indictment also alleges that he paid himself more than $1 million in wages between 2017 and 2024.
His wife allegedly received approximately $300,000 in wages despite not being a genuine employee of Followone. Investigators also identified nearly $900,000 transferred to Popescu's personal stock trading account and approximately $1 million used to settle personal credit card obligations.
The company eventually lost its Bellevue office premises after accumulating unpaid rent exceeding $350,000. Prosecutors said investors were not adequately informed about the company's financial difficulties, including its inability to continue paying employees.
Acting United States Attorney Charles Neil Floyd accused Popescu of constructing a misleading image of business success through promotional materials, websites and expensive office accommodation. He alleged that the pastor exploited investors' confidence while using their contributions for personal spending and financial trading.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation are jointly investigating the case. Federal officials said the allegations demonstrate the potential financial consequences when individuals exploit positions of trust to obtain investments.
Following his arraignment, Popescu was released under electronic monitoring despite objections from prosecutors. He remains subject to the court's conditions while awaiting trial.
Each wire fraud charge carries a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years' imprisonment, while money laundering carries a maximum of 10 years. Actual sentencing, if any, would depend on the offences proven and applicable federal sentencing rules.
The indictment remains an allegation rather than a judicial finding of guilt. Popescu has denied the charges and is presumed innocent unless prosecutors establish his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The scheduled December trial will provide the opportunity for the prosecution to present its evidence and for the defence to challenge the allegations concerning the investment scheme, financial transfers and representations made to investors.
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