A Washington pastor allegedly raised at least $13 million for a technology investment whose online marketplace could not complete a single customer purchase, according to a federal indictment.
Cristian Popescu, 46, of Bothell, led the Passion for Christ congregation in Kirkland while promoting Followone Inc., a Bellevue venture. Prosecutors say he used his position at the church to win investors’ trust while making misleading claims about the business.
More than 30 people provided investments and loans, according to the filing. Prosecutors allege that money intended for Followone was diverted for personal spending and stock trading, while some investors struggled to recover their funds.
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Popescu pleaded not guilty on Oct. 13, 2026, to ten counts of wire fraud and five counts of money laundering, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced. The…
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