US pastor accused of defrauding church members of $13 million after claiming God chose worshippers to finance his company

A United States-based pastor has been charged with fraud and money laundering for allegedly defrauding church members and other investors of $13 million through a fictitious internet business.

According to the US Department of Justice, Cristian Popescu, 46, a Romanian citizen residing in Washington, appeared before a federal court in Seattle on October 13, 2026.

Popescu, pastor of Passion for Christ church in Kirkland, faces 10 counts of wire fraud and five counts of money laundering.

Prosecutors alleged that he established Followone Inc., claiming it operated a global online marketplace and social networking platform.

However, investigators said the platform consisted largely of non-functional screens, while Popescu falsely claimed the company generated millions in revenue and was preparing for a Nasdaq listing.

He allegedly persuaded more than 30 investors, including church members, to contribute money, telling them God had chosen them to support the business.

Authorities claimed Popescu encouraged victims to withdraw retirement savings, obtain loans and invest their children’s education funds.

Investigators alleged that he diverted over $4.5 million into accounts belonging to himself and relatives, while spending investors’ money on personal expenses and stock trading.

He also allegedly paid himself more than $1 million in wages and his wife approximately $300,000.

Popescu pleaded not guilty to all charges and was released under electronic monitoring.

His trial is scheduled for December 21, 2026.

If convicted, he faces substantial prison sentences. Prosecutors stressed that the allegations remain unproven and Popescu is presumed innocent.