A photo shows Wu Zeheng, founder of the pseudo-religion "Huazang Zongmen". [Photo/China.com]
The Higher People's Court in Guangdong has upheld the life sentence of a man who was convicted of organizing an illegal cult, rape, fraud, and the production and sale of harmful food.
Wu Zeheng, founder of "Huazang Zongmen", was sentenced to life in October by a court in the city of Zhuhai in the province.
He was also fined over 7 million yuan.
Three of his followers were also given sentences of up to four years in prison after being convicted of fraud and perverting the course of justice.
Wu and one of his followers appealed against the court's ruling.
Wu had been propagating the pseudo-religion Huazang Zongmen as a lofty sect of Buddhism and claimed to be the successor of several eminent monks.
He was also found to have amassed more than 6.7 million yuan in ill-gotten gains.
Have you ever taken these beautiful subways in China?
Chinese beauties, foreign models meet in Chengdu
Awesome! Aerial pictures taken on J-11 fighter
A foreign girl explains what China should be proud of
Chinese navy's air-cushioned landing craft in pictures
Chinese pole dancing master opens class in Tianjin
Splendid Sichuan after snow
College girl of Vancouver crowned Miss Chinese Int'l 2016
Pentagonal Mart becomes the largest vacant building in Shanghai
Top 20 hottest women in the world in 2014
Top 10 hardest languages to learn
10 Chinese female stars with most beautiful faces
China’s Top 10 Unique Bridges, Highways and Roads
Buying nianhuo!
What Chinese try to sneak on flights (and how)
Northeast authorities vow they will work to eradicate GM grains
China’s richest village manages to transition away from old industriesDay|Week
