Karma catches up with 'living Buddha' con artist

An intermediate court in Beijing's Tongzhou district recently upheld a 12-year sentence against a man who scammed a businesswoman of nearly 3 million yuan ($481,425) while masquerading as a "living Buddha" with promises he could change her bad luck.

Li Duo, 34, conned the victim, surnamed Tang, 35, into handing over all her property and assets, said the court.

According to Tang, a friend had introduced her to Li, who claimed to be a reincarnated Buddha and disciple of a famous Buddhist master.

Fraught with business troubles, divorce and family issues, the vulnerable Tang was comforted by Li's promises to change her fate.

Li happily alleviated Tang of her material burden, and said he would use the cash to hold religious rites in her name.

After finding another job in Beijing that October, she told coworkers of her relationship with Li, who became suspicious and sought him out for questioning.

Her colleagues enlightened Tang to the ruse, who eventually reported Li to the police.

Tang has since recovered some of her assets.