Kaixiao Liu: New Zealand religious sect leader jailed over death of elderly Chinese follower - BBC News

The body of 70-year-old Shulai Wang was found near a marina in Auckland in 2024.

Image source, New Zealand PoliceImage caption, New Zealand police released a picture of Shulai Wang

A New Zealand court has jailed a religious sect leader over the death of an elderly follower who had travelled from China to live with his family.

Kaixiao Liu was found guilty of manslaughter and kidnapping, and sentenced to more than 10 years in prison.

The body of 70-year-old Shulai Wang had been found wrapped in rice bags near Auckland's Gulf Harbour in March 2024, sparking a major homicide investigation which eventually led to Liu.

Liu, a musician who previously appeared in a talent show in China, had denied the charges. He also denied he is a cult leader and said he only attracted followers through his music.