Shaolin Temple’s former abbot sentenced to 24 years for corruption in China
BEIJING — A court in central China on Friday sentenced the former abbot of the iconic Shaolin Temple to 24 years in prison, convicting him on charges including embezzlement and bribery, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
Shi Yongxin, born Liu Yingcheng, was also ordered to pay a fine of 3.5 million yuan (about $516,000) after a trial in Henan province, the report said.
The court found that between 2003 and 2025, Shi used his positions — including that of temple abbot — to illegally embezzle more than 131 million yuan ($19 million), either alone or with others. He also misappropriated over 151 million yuan ($22 million) for personal use for more than three months between 2012 and 2022, CCTV reported, citing the court’s findings.
“The crimes involved huge amounts, his bribery offenses were particularly serious, and his criminal conduct lasted for a long period,” the court said. “They caused severely harmful consequences and adverse social impact.”
Shi confessed, voluntarily disclosed undiscovered details, and showed remorse, CCTV added.
The case has drawn attention to the intersection of religion, commerce and corruption in China. The Shaolin Temple, based in Henan, is one of the country’s most famous Buddhist monasteries, globally recognized for its martial arts — kung fu — which gained worldwide fame through films such as the 1982 movie “The Shaolin Temple” starring Jet Li.
The temple announced last year that Shi was under investigation for suspected misappropriation and embezzlement of project funds and temple assets. At the time, temple authorities also alleged that Shi had violated Buddhist precepts by maintaining relationships with multiple women over a long period and fathering at least one child.
Shi had long been a controversial figure. In 2015, China’s state-run Xinhua news agency described him as a “CEO monk,” noting that he sparked debate by aggressively commercializing the temple’s brand, promoting kung fu shows and merchandise. The sentencing underscores Beijing’s broader campaign against corruption in religious institutions and its push to regulate the once-unchecked commercial ventures tied to temples and monasteries.
Legal experts say the lengthy sentence reflects the severity of the crimes and serves as a warning to other clerics who may have exploited their religious positions for personal gain. The case also raises questions about the future of Shaolin Temple’s commercial empire and its reputation as a spiritual and cultural symbol.