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.

A photo shows Wu Zeheng, founder of the pseudo-religion "Huazang Zongmen". [File Photo: China.com]

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.

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