The founder and leader of the Huazang Zongmen cult is to be prosecuted along with several suspected members, it was announced on Wednesday.

Prosecutors in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, say Wu Zeheng used the cult to sabotage law-enforcement operations and carry out rape, fraud and the production and sale of unsafe food.

The court action is being taken after a yearlong investigation. Police say female followers believed Wu's claims that going to bed with him could help them to acquire supernatural powers.