Seattle: Pastor pleads not guilty in alleged $13 million investment fraud

By Erick León

Cristian Popescu, 46, a pastor from Kirkland, appeared in federal court in Seattle on 10 wire fraud counts and five money laundering counts in an alleged $13 million investment scheme.

Prosecutors allege that he used commercial and social platforms to promote misleading investments, including to members of his congregation. He pleaded not guilty on October 13, and trial was scheduled for December. The allegations must be proven in court.

Source: U.S. Department of Justice: Pastor of Kirkland, Washington, church indicted on ten counts of wire fraud and five counts of money laundering in $13 million fraud scheme. Statement dated October 13, 2026.

Original Spanish article, published October 25, 2026.

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