In brief
In a shocking case, New Zealand prosecutors secured a conviction against Kaixiao Liu for the kidnapping and manslaughter of Shulai Wang, a 70‑year‑old Chinese migrant who died at his group’s residence. The court found that Liu, who portrays himself as a musician rather than a cult leader, exercised extreme control over his followers, with Wang subject to strict demands and harsh discipline. After Wang attempted escape in March 2024, she was restrained and later died; Liu’s family discarded her body near a marina as a disguised crime scene. Liu was sentenced to more than ten years, while his wife faces a nearly eight‑year term; the extended family awaits further sentencing.
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 ten 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 that eventually led to Liu.
Liu, a former talent‑show contestant in China, denies the charges and said he is not a cult leader, only that he attracts followers through his music.
During the trial the court heard that Wang travelled from Hainan island in August 2023, moved into Liu's house dubbed "the Ark" with several other female followers, and was forced to keep the children, study scripture, and plant vegetables while being disciplined for hardship.
Wang tried to escape in March 2024, was caught and restrained, and later died that same day. The court heard that Liu, his family, and followers dumped her body near a marina at Gulf Harbour, using his children to act as a camouflage.
Police traced the rice bags to Liu after discovering he had bought large quantities of that brand. Liu's wife, Lanyue Xiao, was sentenced to nearly eight years for kidnapping and manslaughter, and his parents face earlier convictions of kidnapping and mismanagement of human remains, pending sentencing later this year.
Justice Mathew Downs condemned Liu, saying he showed "callous indifference" toward Wang and must feel shame for the lonely, frightening death.
