US PASTOR INDICTED OVER $13M INVESTMENT FRAUD INVOLVING CHURCH MEMBERS

A 46-year-old pastor in Washington State, United States, Cristian Popescu, has been indicted on 15 criminal counts over an alleged $13 million investment fraud involving more than 30 investors, including members of his congregation.

The United States Department of Justice disclosed that Popescu, a Romanian national who leads Passion for Christ Church in Kirkland, appeared before a federal court in Seattle on October 13, 2026.

He pleaded not guilty to 10 counts of wire fraud and five counts of money laundering. His trial is scheduled for December 21, 2026.

According to prosecutors, Popescu established Followone Inc., which he presented as a successful online marketplace and social networking company based in Bellevue, Washington.

The platform was promoted as a business where users could buy and sell goods and services, including vehicles, real estate, healthcare, food and travel services.

However, prosecutors said the platform was largely non-functional, alleging that Popescu used fabricated marketing materials and misleading financial claims to persuade investors that the company was profitable and highly valuable.

Acting US Attorney Charles Neil Floyd said Popescu exploited the trust of church members by using promotional materials, websites and expensive office facilities to create the impression of a thriving business before diverting investors' funds to personal expenses and day trading.

Investigators alleged that Popescu repeatedly told investors that Followone was generating millions of dollars in revenue, preparing for a listing on the Nasdaq stock exchange and increasing the value of their investments.

Prosecutors further alleged that he used his position as a religious leader to attract investors, telling members of his congregation that God had chosen them to invest in the company and that their contributions would support the church's mission.

He reportedly assured investors that their money would remain within the company and could be withdrawn on request.

Instead, prosecutors said millions of dollars were transferred from Followone to bank accounts controlled by Popescu, his wife and other relatives.

More than $4.5 million was allegedly moved into accounts belonging to the pastor and his family. Popescu also reportedly paid himself more than $1 million in salaries between 2017 and 2024, while his wife received approximately $300,000 despite not being employed by the company, according to the indictment.

The investigation also found that Popescu allegedly used shell companies to make Followone appear to have legitimate business partnerships. Prosecutors said investor funds were used to settle fabricated invoices issued by the companies before the money was redirected for personal use.

To sustain the scheme, Popescu allegedly created a website showing substantial growth in investors' funds and claimed that Followone was worth $1.4 billion, despite knowing that the company had little or no genuine value.

He also reportedly issued press releases containing false information about the company's performance, claimed to have recruited software engineers from major technology firms and rented expensive office space in Bellevue.

Although he represented Followone as having 20 employees, prosecutors said only three people actually worked for the company.

The indictment further alleged that Popescu offered investors seats on the company's board if they invested at least $1 million.

He also allegedly encouraged individuals to withdraw their retirement savings, obtain personal or home-equity loans and use funds set aside for their children's education to finance their investments.

Some investors reportedly lost substantial sums, with one transferring nearly $1 million in a single transaction. Others allegedly invested approximately $600,000 and $500,000.

Prosecutors said Popescu imposed strict secrecy measures, requiring investors to sign non-disclosure agreements and communicate through encrypted messaging applications.

During meetings, he allegedly instructed them to switch off their phones and disable smart devices, including Amazon Alexa.

When investors sought to recover their money, Popescu allegedly delayed repayment, claiming that doing so could jeopardise the company's proposed stock-market listing.

The indictment further stated that when some investors questioned his claims, he invoked his religious position, became angry and accused them of being “demonically possessed.”

The alleged scheme eventually unravelled after Followone was evicted from its Bellevue offices over unpaid rent exceeding $350,000, prosecutors said.

FBI Seattle Special Agent in Charge W. Mike Herrington said the case involved the alleged exploitation of trust within a religious community.

He said the charges accused Popescu of using his position as a pastor to obtain millions of dollars from fellow believers through false promises, including a future stock exchange listing and claims that the company's profits would benefit the community.

Similarly, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Carrie Nordyke warned that financial crimes could have devastating consequences, particularly when perpetrators exploit relationships of trust.

Each wire fraud count carries a maximum penalty of 20 years' imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000, while each money laundering count carries a maximum of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

Despite objections from prosecutors, Popescu was granted release under electronic monitoring pending trial.