Kirkland Pastor Indicted in $13 Million Fraud Scheme

SEATTLE, Wash. — A Kirkland-area pastor allegedly used his religious authority to persuade more than 30 church members to invest millions of dollars in a purported online marketplace and social media company that prosecutors say had little or no real value.

Cristian Popescu, 46, of Bothell, pleaded not guilty Monday in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 10 counts of wire fraud and five counts of money laundering in connection with an alleged $13 million investment fraud scheme. His trial is scheduled for Dec. 21, 2026.

Popescu leads Passion for Christ, a Christian congregation in Kirkland. According to a federal indictment, he recruited investors from his church by claiming God had chosen them to invest in his company, Followone Inc., and that their participation would further the church’s mission.

Prosecutors allege Popescu instead diverted millions of dollars in investor funds to himself, his family and personal stock trading accounts.

“Popescu lured investors from his church with fake marketing materials, websites, and expensive offices, and then took their money for his own luxuries and day trading, betraying them financially and faithfully.”

Acting U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd

Fake Online Marketplace Allegedly Concealed Fraud

According to the indictment, Popescu began promoting Followone as early as 2015, describing the Bellevue-based company as an online platform combining a global marketplace with a social network.

The proposed platform would allow users to buy and sell goods and services, including cars, real estate, health care, food and travel. Prosecutors allege the platform consisted of nonfunctional screens rather than a working online business capable of delivering those services.

Popescu allegedly attracted more than 30 investors through claims that Followone generated millions of dollars in revenue, had increased the value of shareholder investments and was approaching a listing on the Nasdaq stock exchange.

He also allegedly issued misleading press releases about the company’s progress and falsely claimed to have hired prominent software engineers from major technology companies.

To reinforce the appearance of a successful business, Popescu rented expensive office space in Bellevue and claimed Followone had 20 employees. According to the indictment, only three people worked there.

At one point, Popescu allegedly claimed the company was worth $1.4 billion, despite knowing it had little or no value.

Pastor allegedly pressured members to invest savings

Prosecutors allege Popescu used his position as a religious leader to encourage church members to invest increasingly large sums in Followone.

He allegedly told investors their money would remain within the company and that they could withdraw it whenever they wanted. He also offered the possibility of a seat on Followone’s board to investors who contributed at least $1 million.

According to the indictment, Popescu urged some investors to raid retirement accounts, take out personal or home equity loans, and withdraw money from their children’s college savings accounts.

He also allegedly imposed unusual restrictions on communications with investors. They were required to sign nondisclosure agreements and use encrypted messaging services. During in-person meetings, Popescu allegedly required investors to turn off their phones and disable smart devices, including Amazon’s Alexa service.

When investors questioned the company’s performance or sought the return of their money, Popescu allegedly delayed repayment by claiming it would interfere with the anticipated stock listing.

The indictment further alleges that when investors challenged his claims, Popescu invoked his religious authority, became angry and told some investors they were demonically possessed.

FBI Seattle Special Agent in Charge W. Mike Herrington said the allegations involve a religious leader who exploited the trust of fellow believers.

The alleged scheme involved promises of a future stock exchange listing and claims that company profits would benefit the community, Herrington said.

Millions Allegedly Diverted to Personal Accounts

According to prosecutors, Popescu used shell companies to make Followone appear to have legitimate business relationships with other businesses.

The indictment alleges he used investor money to pay invoices for transactions that were not genuine business dealings. Payments then flowed to shell companies he controlled, allowing him to use the funds for his own benefit.

Popescu also allegedly transferred investment money directly into his personal bank accounts and used the funds for personal expenses and his investment account.

From Followone accounts, he allegedly transferred more than $4.5 million to accounts belonging to himself, his wife and other family members.

The indictment also alleges that Followone paid Popescu more than $1 million in wages between 2017 and 2024. His wife received approximately $300,000, even though she was not a Followone employee, prosecutors said.

The company’s financial problems eventually became visible when it was evicted from its Bellevue offices with more than $350,000 in unpaid rent, according to the indictment.

One investor allegedly transferred nearly $1 million to the company in a single transaction. Other investors transferred amounts approaching $600,000 and $500,000.

Pastor Released While Awaiting Trial

The 10 wire fraud counts relate to the alleged solicitation and receipt of investments. The five money laundering counts concern transfers of investor funds from Followone accounts to Popescu’s personal bank account, according to prosecutors.

Despite prosecutors’ objections, a judge ordered Popescu released on electronic monitoring while he awaits trial.

Wire fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Money laundering carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The FBI and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Wilkinson is prosecuting it.

The indictment contains allegations, not proof of guilt. Popescu has pleaded not guilty and is presumed innocent unless prosecutors prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.

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