Qigong master Wang Lin under scrutiny for 'seven crimes'

Self-proclaimed qigong master Wang Lin faces investigation for seven crimes - ranging from fraud to bigamy - authorities in his home province of Jiangxi told local media.

Government officials suspect Wang, 61, of bribery, firearms possession, tax evasion, gambling and practicing medicine without a licence, as well as fraud and bigamy, the Jiangnan City Daily reported.

The officials spoke after a special meeting to discuss Wang, who has been come under fire for using his controversial spiritual practice to cosy up with powerful figures and pursue an extravagant lifestyle.

He became a hot talking point after state broadcaster CCTV aired two investigative programmes. The anchorwoman called him "a vulgar magician" who made a living by "deluding celebrities and pulling the wool over the public's eyes".

Communist Party mouthpiece the People's Daily has accused Wang of using qigong - an ancient breathing exercise and self-cultivation technique - to peddle "spiritual opium" to wayward officials.

Others, such as Wu Zhihui, a business executive from Pingxiang, Jiangxi , say Wang illegally practiced medicine, The Beijing News reported.