Authorities in the Chinese province of Guangdong informed the media on Wednesday that they have filed various criminal charges against the founder and leader of a cult that claims to follow the teachings of Buddhism.

Local law enforcement officials have identified the suspect as Wu Zeheng, the founder and recognized leader of the "Huazang Zongmen" cult, Xinhua reported.

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Wu and several of his followers are facing various criminal charges including interfering with police operations, engaging in fraudulent activities, illegal distribution of food that are dangerous to public health and more serious allegations of rape.

China Radio International reported that Wu already has a number of criminal records to his name and spent several years in prison.

After serving his sentence, he founded a religious cult that claims to espouse Buddhist beliefs and practices. Wu reinvented himself as a well-educated man who studied abroad and claimed to possess mystical abilities to impress cult members.

Investigators said Wu was able to attract followers by claiming to help them achieve enlightenment in Buddhism, received good fortune or even be healed from various ailments. It is also alleged that Wu raped several female cult members on numerous occasions.

China Daily reported that Wu recruited prospective members through various online social network sites. Many of his new recruits reportedly gave him expensive gifts, but Wu is said to have preferred to be given money instead.

Further investigation revealed that Wu sold various items to his followers at highly inflated prices. He reportedly earned almost 7 million yuan (over $1 million) from his fraudulent enterprise.

Wu has even boasted of his affiliation with the Shaolin Temple, a claim denied by other monks.

Regarding his criminal records, Wu claimed that he was singled by the authorities because of his religious conviction. His cult had even managed to convince foreign politicians to plead his case to the Chinese authorities. Cult members were reportedly instructed to create civil disturbances and seek help abroad in case Wu could not be contacted by his followers.

Authorities have warned the general public that Huazang Zongmen is not legally recognized by the government. Despite his claims, Wu has never been a monk.

A representative from the China Buddhist Association has denounced Wu's group as cult disguising itself as a Buddhist sect.

TagsBuddhist cult, Wu Zeheng, Huazang Zongmen, China buddhist association, Shaolin Temple, China buddhist association, We Zeheng Buddhist Cult