Kirkland Pastor Indicted in $13 Million Fraud Scheme

Cristian Popescu, a pastor leading Passion for Christ Church in Kirkland, has been indicted on 15 federal charges related to an alleged $13 million fraud scheme. 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. His trial is scheduled for December 21, 2026.

Prosecutors allege Popescu used his religious authority to persuade over 30 church members to invest in Followone Inc., a company he described as an online marketplace and social media platform. The indictment claims Popescu misled investors by presenting false marketing materials, websites, and a fabricated image of a thriving business. He allegedly diverted investor funds to personal and family accounts, as well as for stock trading.

According to the federal indictment, Popescu began promoting Followone as early as 2015, portraying it as a global platform combining a marketplace with a social network. The proposed service would allow users to buy and sell goods and services, including cars, real estate, and health care. However, prosecutors allege the platform consisted of nonfunctional screens and lacked the operational capacity to deliver these services.

Popescu allegedly attracted investors by falsely claiming Followone generated millions in revenue and was on track for a Nasdaq listing. He also issued misleading press releases and falsely claimed to have hired prominent software engineers from major tech companies. To reinforce the appearance of success, he rented expensive office space in Bellevue and claimed the company had 20 employees, despite only three people working there.

At one point, Popescu allegedly claimed the company was worth $1.4 billion, despite knowing it had little or no real value. Prosecutors allege he used his position as a religious leader to encourage church members to invest increasingly large sums, assuring them their money would remain within the company and be available for withdrawal at any time.

The case highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in both religious and business leadership. As Proverbs 31:8-9 reminds us, we are called to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves and to defend the rights of the vulnerable. This case underscores the need for vigilance in ensuring that those in positions of influence are held to the same standards of integrity and truth.

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