George Anjay
A New Zealand court has handed down a significant prison sentence to Kaixiao Liu, the leader of a religious sect, for his role in the death of an elderly follower who had traveled from China to live under his influence. Liu was found guilty of both manslaughter and kidnapping, resulting in a sentence exceeding 10 years. The grim discovery of 70-year-old Shulai Wang’s body, found meticulously wrapped in rice bags near Auckland’s Gulf Harbour in March 2024, ignited a major homicide investigation that ultimately implicated Liu.
Liu, a figure who had previously gained some notoriety as a musician and a contestant on a talent show in China, vehemently denied the charges leveled against him. He also rejected the characterization of his group as a cult, asserting that his followers were drawn to him solely through his musical endeavors. However, the prosecution painted a starkly different picture during the trial, revealing the harrowing details of Wang’s final months.
The court heard that Wang had embarked on her journey from Hainan island, China, to New Zealand in August 2023. Upon arrival, she was integrated into Liu’s household, a property he referred to as "the Ark," where she resided alongside several other female adherents. Prosecutors argued that these women existed in a state of "servitude" to Liu and his immediate family, their lives governed by Liu’s strict control and their interactions with him marked by deference, addressing him as "Lord" or "Master." Wang’s daily routine was described as arduous, involving the care of Liu’s children, extensive scripture study, and agricultural labor, tending to vegetable gardens.
Evidence presented during the trial suggested that Wang, possibly due to her advanced age and the demanding nature of the sect’s practices, struggled to adhere to the stringent rules. This non-compliance, it was alleged, led to frequent instances of discipline. The situation escalated tragically in March 2024 when Wang attempted to escape the confines of "the Ark." Her escape attempt was unsuccessful, as she was apprehended and restrained. The court was informed that she died later that same day.
In a disturbing revelation, the court learned that Liu, along with members of his family and other followers, subsequently transported Wang’s body to a secluded location near a marina at Gulf Harbour. To facilitate this clandestine operation and potentially deflect suspicion, Liu had reportedly brought his children along, employing them as a form of "camouflage." The body remained undiscovered for several days until a fisherman stumbled upon it. The subsequent police investigation, meticulously piecing together the evidence, eventually traced the specific brand of rice bags used to conceal Wang’s remains back to Liu. This connection was established through the discovery of unusually large purchases of that particular rice brand made by Liu.
The legal repercussions extended beyond Liu himself. His wife, Lanyue Xiao, received a sentence of nearly eight years in prison, convicted of charges including kidnapping and manslaughter, among others. Liu’s parents, Xiuyun Li and Jingui Liu, had previously been convicted of kidnapping and misconduct related to human remains and are awaiting sentencing later this year.
During the sentencing proceedings, Liu’s defense counsel pleaded for leniency, arguing that his client expressed remorse and reiterated Liu’s denial of being a cult leader, stating he did not compel individuals to follow him, according to reports from Radio New Zealand.
Further details emerging from New Zealand media outlets shed light on Liu’s background, indicating that he had attended a military-based university in China. His artistic inclinations were evident in 2011 when he participated in China’s Got Talent, with online footage showcasing his performance while blindfolded. Sometime in 2017, Liu relocated to New Zealand with his wife, Xiao, and they subsequently obtained permanent residency.
Liu cultivated his following through Chinese social media platforms, where he shared religious discourse, video diaries, and recordings of his singing. He also initiated a project named Universal Choir, which produced orchestral music with a cosmic theme, further contributing to his unique public persona. The trial also featured testimony from a police officer who interviewed one of Liu’s female followers. This officer recounted in court that the woman had explained her initial contact with the group through an internet song website and described the inhabitants of Liu’s house as "friends."
Presiding over the sentencing, Justice Mathew Downs delivered a scathing assessment of Liu’s actions, characterizing his conduct as demonstrating "callous indifference" towards Shulai Wang. Justice Downs’ remarks underscored the profound impact of Liu’s leadership, stating, "Because of you, Ms Wang died a lonely, frightening death. You display no remorse whatsoever. You should feel shame." The judge’s pronouncements highlighted the severity of the crime and the lack of apparent remorse exhibited by the convicted sect leader. The case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of individuals, particularly those from overseas seeking community and spiritual guidance, to manipulative and ultimately destructive leadership. The intricate web of control, isolation, and alleged mistreatment within "the Ark" painted a chilling picture of a community that devolved into a dangerous environment, culminating in the tragic death of an elderly woman. The thoroughness of the police investigation, from the initial discovery of the body to the meticulous tracing of evidence, was crucial in bringing Liu and his associates to justice. The lengthy prison sentences imposed reflect the gravity of the crimes and the court’s commitment to accountability.
Roy Suryo
Nakalama John
atisusanti
Ramos Leo
