Former Shaolin Abbot Sentenced to 24 Years for Embezzlement and Bribery
A Chinese court sentenced Shi Yongxin, former abbot of the Shaolin Temple, to 24 years in prison and fined him 3.5 million yuan after convicting him of embezzling over 131 million yuan and taking bribes.
bbc.co.ukA court in central Henan province sentenced Shi Yongxin, former abbot of the Shaolin Temple, to 24 years in prison on Friday after finding him guilty of embezzlement and bribery. 5 million yuan, about $516,000.
The court determined that Shi, whose birth name is Liu Yingcheng, embezzled more than 131 million yuan between 2003 and 2025 while serving as abbot and president of the Shaolin Charity and Welfare Foundation. 63 million yuan since 2006 in exchange for helping others secure temple construction contracts.
The court described the amounts involved as huge, the bribery offenses as particularly serious, and the overall conduct as causing severe harm and adverse social impact.
Shi appeared in a public trial on Monday.
The verdict was announced on Friday. State broadcaster CCTV reported that Shi confessed, voluntarily disclosed previously unknown details to investigators, and expressed remorse. Last year the temple announced that Shi was under investigation for suspected misappropriation of project funds and temple assets.
A temple notice at the time also alleged that Shi had maintained relationships with multiple women and fathered at least one child, violating Buddhist precepts. " — CCTV report, 29 May 2026 The Shaolin Temple is known worldwide for its martial-arts tradition and has been featured in films and television dramas.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
3 events- 2025
Shaolin Temple announced Shi Yongxin was under investigation for misappropriation of funds.
2 sourcesThe Independent · South China Morning Post - Monday
Shi appeared in a public trial at Xinxiang Intermediate People’s Court.
2 sourcesThe Independent · South China Morning Post - Friday
Court sentenced Shi to 24 years in prison and fined him 3.5 million yuan.
2 sourcesThe Independent · South China Morning Post
Transparency Panel
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