Cosmic conman falls to earth

A Taiwanese cult leader who claimed divine powers has admitted he does not have them. Sung Chi-li, who had maintained he was the re-incarnation of a "cosmic body", conned up to pounds 75m in cash and gifts out of followers. He confessed after being arrested and failing to demonstrate supernatural powers.

Police said he had confessed to taking land, cars, and cash from thousands of believers who worshipped him like a god. The Sung Chi-li Transmogrification Society's main shrine was demolished on the grounds that it was built illegally. Reuter - Taipei