A Kirkland, Washington pastor, Cristian Popescu, has been indicted over an alleged $13 million fraud scheme that targeted his own church members through a fake online marketplace called Followone. Federal authorities say Popescu, 46, recruited more than 30 investors into Followone, which he claimed was worth $1.4 billion and would trade goods and services. Prosecutors allege he moved more than $4.5 million from investor funds into accounts tied to himself and family members, and paid himself over $1 million in wages. FBI Seattle says the scheme ran through the platform, which investigators allege was largely non-functional, built on fabricated screens and misleading presentations. Popescu allegedly rented expensive office space in Bellevue and claimed to employ twenty people when only three were working there. Prosecutors add that he issued press releases with false claims about the company’s growth and signed contracts with shell companies he controlled. Investors, prosecutors say, were made to sign non-disclosure agreements, communicate using encrypted messaging apps, and switch off phones and smart devices during in-person meetings. When investors questioned the setup or demanded their money back, Popescu allegedly warned that repayments would jeopardize a stock listing and turned aggressive, accusing doubters of being demonically possessed. Prosecutors allege Popescu urged victims to liquidate retirement savings, take out home equity loans, and use children’s college funds. One investor wired nearly $1 million in a single transfer. The indictment charges Popescu with ten counts of wire fraud and five counts of money laundering. He pleaded not guilty after being arraigned in US District Court in Seattle. Wire fraud carries a maximum of 20 years in prison, and money laundering carries up to 10 years. Popescu was released on electronic monitoring pending trial, with the case set to be heard on December 21, 2026.