Seattle – The pastor of a Kirkland, Washington Christian congregation called ‘Passion for Christ,’ was arraigned today in U.S. District Court in Seattle on an indictment for wire fraud and money laundering in connection with a $13 million fraud scheme, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. Cristian Popescu, 46, of Bothell, Washington, is a citizen of Romania, residing in the United States. Popescu pleaded not guilty and trial is set for December 21, 2026.
“As alleged in the indictment, this defendant created the mirage of a successful, valuable online marketplace and social media site in one,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd. “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.”
“These charges allege that a…
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