A Washington pastor is facing federal fraud and money laundering charges after allegedly convincing church members to invest millions in a failing business, then accusing them of being demon-possessed when they demanded answers.

Cristian Popescu, 46, pastor of Passion for Christ Church in Kirkland, Washington, is accused of collecting more than $13 million from over 30 investors, many of whom were members of his congregation.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington, Popescu was arraigned on 10 counts of wire fraud and five counts of money laundering. He has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to stand trial on December 21.

Federal prosecutors allege that he used his position as a spiritual leader to gain investors’ trust, even telling church members that God had personally chosen them to participate in his business venture.

The company, Followone Inc., was promoted as an innovative online platform combining social media, real estate, healthcare, automotive services and e-commerce.

But investigators say the business was largely an illusion.

“He used his trusted position to manipulate Passion for Christ congregants and others into giving him money, which he said would be invested in Followone,” the federal indictment states.

“Popescu told investors that God had chosen them to invest in the company and that doing so would further the church’s mission.”

Prosecutors allege that Popescu encouraged investors to withdraw retirement savings, take out home equity loans and even use money set aside for their children’s college education.

He reportedly promised that their investments were secure and could be withdrawn whenever they wanted.

Instead, authorities say millions of dollars went toward personal expenses.

According to the indictment, he transferred more than $4.5 million into accounts belonging to himself and family members. He allegedly paid himself more than $1 million in wages, gave his wife over $300,000 despite her not being a legitimate employee, and used approximately $1 million to pay personal credit card bills.

Investigators also allege that he transferred nearly $900,000 into a personal stock trading account.

To maintain the appearance of success, he allegedly rented expensive office space, hired employees and created misleading financial documents claiming Followone was worth $1.4 billion.

Prosecutors say the company actually had little or no value.

When investors began questioning the business and asking for their money back, he allegedly responded with anger rather than answers.

“When investors pressed Popescu for more information about Followone or expressed doubts about Popescu’s representations, Popescu invoked his position in the church, became irate, and told the investors they were demonically possessed,” the indictment states.

Acting U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd accused the pastor of exploiting both the financial resources and religious trust of his congregation.

“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,” Floyd said.

The allegations show the damage that can occur when spiritual authority is allegedly used to pressure believers into financial decisions.

He has been released on bail with electronic monitoring while awaiting trial. If convicted, he could face substantial prison time and financial penalties.

The charges remain allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.