Pastor in Kirkland, Washington, Charged in Alleged $13 Million Fraud Tied to Social Media Startup

Cristian Popescu, a Pentecostal pastor in Kirkland, Washington, has been charged in federal court with wire fraud and money laundering. The Roys Report says the charges include 15 federal counts, while MinistryWatch reports them as 10 counts of wire fraud and five counts of money laundering. MinistryWatch identifies Popescu as pastor of Passion for Christ in Kirkland. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, as reported by MinistryWatch, Popescu founded Followone Inc. in 2015 and used it to deceive parishioners into investing.

The indictment, as described in both reports, alleges that Popescu misrepresented the company’s value and prospects. The Roys Report says he lured investors with promises that Followone would trade publicly on the NASDAQ, and that some contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars. MinistryWatch reports that the indictment claims he portrayed Followone as a $1.4 billion enterprise set to list on the Nasdaq, although it had only three employees and non-functional screens. Acting U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd said Popescu used fabricated marketing materials, websites, and an expensive office to attract investors.

The reports describe the sources of the money. According to the indictment, as summarized by The Roys Report, Popescu allegedly encouraged church members to liquidate retirement savings, take out home loans, and access their children’s college funds to support Followone. MinistryWatch reports that the indictment says he targeted retirement accounts and children’s college savings accounts. The Roys Report says a couple contributed over $1 million believing they were buying shares in a publicly traded company, and that another individual sent checks and wire transfers totaling nearly $1.6 million. MinistryWatch reports that more than 30 individuals were reportedly deceived.

The reports differ on how the $13 million figure should be understood. The Roys Report says Popescu stole $13 million from church members and others and used the funds for personal luxuries and day trading. MinistryWatch describes $13 million as the size of the investment scheme and reports that the indictment says more than $4.5 million of investments was diverted into Popescu’s personal checking and investment accounts. Neither report’s account has been tested in court in the material provided.

MinistryWatch also reports that the indictment alleges Popescu paid himself over $1 million in wages from 2017 to 2024 and paid his wife over $300,000, though she was not a true employee. Honest dealing with investors and employers is central to the allegations, a concern reflected in the claimed misstatements about the company’s value (Proverbs 11:1).

The Roys Report says Popescu, 46, pleaded not guilty and faces a maximum sentence of 250 years in prison.