Church Fraud Case in Inner Mongolia Concludes with Release of Detained Preachers and Christians

(Tongliao, Inner Mongolia, China – April 19, 2025) The “fraud” case involving a church in Tongliao, Inner Mongolia, has seen a significant development. On April 19, the legal team led by lawyer Zhang Kai announced that, following the earlier release on bail of four Christians, the final two detained preachers in the case, Zhao Wen and Wang Gongping, safely returned home on April 18, 2025. With this, all six Christians in the case who had been subjected to criminal compulsory measures since the case was filed have now regained their freedom.

Background of the Case and Legal Team Involvement

The case originated from an investigation into a Christian church in Tongliao, Inner Mongolia. It is understood that the church had been conducting religious activities in the area for sometime now. Local public security authorities imposed criminal detention measures on six core members of the church, including Zhao Wen and Wang Gongping.

After the case was filed, the legal team led by lawyer Zhang Kai was commissioned, and a professional defense group composed of eight highly experienced attorneys was quickly assembled. The lawyers conducted a thorough investigation into the facts of the case, carefully analyzed the evidence and materials provided by the prosecution, and conducted a rigorous legal argument concerning the charge of “fraud” according to current Chinese laws and regulations.

Release on Guarantee and Legal Victory

Thanks to the persistent efforts and professional defense of the team of lawyers, the judicial authorities ultimately changed the compulsory measures applied to all six individuals, including Zhao Wen and Wang Gongping, granting them release on guarantee. This outcome has undoubtedly brought immense relief to the individuals and their families and also provides encouraging news for the future of legal development in Inner Mongolia, China.

Zhang Kai’s team of lawyers stated that this milestone progress is the result of professional legal spirit and respect for citizens’ religious freedom rights. Through detailed analysis of evidence and precise application of the law, the team effectively safeguarded the legitimate rights of the defendants. This case will offer valuable reference for lawyers handling similar cases involving religious freedom.

Increasing Trend of Fraud Charges Against House Churches in China

What is worth noting is that Zhang Kai’s legal team has successfully secured release on guarantee or non-custodial measures for five individuals who were facing criminal compulsory measures.

China Aid Association is encouraged by the resolution of this case. While China’s constitution nominally guarantees citizens’ religious freedom, the widespread crackdown on house churches under accusations such as “illegal religious activities” is prone to causing debate both legally and amongst international opinion, In recent years, however, numerous provincial cases have shown a growing trend by authorities to suppress house churches through economic charges like “fraud.”

Similar Cases of Fraud Charges Against Other House Churches

In addition to the Golden Lampstand Church case in Linfen, Shanxi, other house church pastors have recently been charged with fraud or other economic crimes are as stated below:

• Church of Abundance Case in Xi’an: Pastor Lian Changnian, Lian Xuliang, and preacher Fu Juan were accused of “fraud.”
• Ren’ai Reformed Church Case in Guiyang: Elder Zhang Chunlei was arrested on charges of “fraud.”
• Qingcaodi Church Case in Deyang, Sichuan: Pastor Hao Ming and Wu Jiannan were detained under “fraud” charges.
• A House Church in Ezhou, Hubei: Pastor Hao Zhiwei was sentenced to eight years for “fraud” for preaching and receiving offerings without approval from authorities.

Call for Immediate Release of Christians Under Fraud Charges

China Aid Association is well aware that these actions represent a shift from treating religious issues as faith-based matters to labeling them as economic crimes, which makes them easier to prosecute while concealing the underlying fact that it is repression. The association calls on the Chinese government to immediately cease this disguised form of punishment and to unconditionally release all Christians accused and imprisoned under such charges.

(Reported by Special Correspondent Gao Zhensai of ChinaAid)