NZ religious sect leader jailed over death of Chinese follower

What the report says

A New Zealand court has sentenced religious sect leader Kaixiao Liu to more than 10 years in prison after finding him guilty of manslaughter and kidnapping in connection with the death of 70-year-old Shulai Wang, who had travelled from China to live with his household. The BBC reported that Wang’s body was discovered in March 2024 near Gulf Harbour in Auckland, wrapped in rice bags, triggering a homicide investigation.

According to evidence described in court, Wang moved in with Liu, his wife Lanyue Xiao, and other female followers at a home Liu referred to as “the Ark.” Prosecutors said the women lived under strict control and served Liu and his family, while Wang took care of children, studied scripture and worked in the garden. The court heard that Wang tried to flee shortly before she died and was later restrained. Liu denied being a cult leader and rejected the charges.

The case has also led to convictions for members of Liu’s family. Xiao received a sentence of nearly eight years for kidnapping and manslaughter-related offences, while Liu’s parents were previously found guilty of kidnapping and misconduct involving human remains and are due to be sentenced later. The BBC said police linked the rice bags used in Wang’s body wrapping to unusually large purchases made by Liu.

The ruling matters because it highlights the dangers of coercive group control and the role of relatives and followers in concealing a death. In sentencing, the judge described Liu’s conduct as showing callous indifference toward Wang.