🚨An evangelical pastor allegedly used God to convince his own church members to hand over their life savings. Now he’s facing 15 federal charges. Cristian Popescu, pastor of Passion for Christ Church in Kirkland, Washington, is accused of orchestrating a $13 million investment fraud that targeted more than 30 investors, including members of his own congregation. According to federal prosecutors, Popescu promoted Followone, a company he claimed was a booming online marketplace preparing to go public on the Nasdaq stock exchange. He allegedly valued the company at $1.4 billion, even though its website couldn’t complete transactions and the business generated no revenue. His sales pitch? God had chosen these investors, and their money would help advance the church’s mission. Prosecutors say he urged people to drain retirement accounts, take out loans and even use money saved for their children’s college education. Absolutely demonic. The indictment alleges that more than $4.5 million was transferred to accounts belonging to Popescu, his wife and other family members. He allegedly paid himself more than $1 million in company wages and paid his wife over $300,000, despite her not being a genuine employee. When investors demanded their money back, prosecutors say Popescu stalled and even told some critics they were “demonically possessed.” Now, the pastor faces 10 counts of wire fraud and five counts of money laundering. He pleaded not guilty and was released under electronic monitoring while awaiting trial