Former Shaolin Temple Abbot Jailed 24 Years Over Massive Corruption Case In China
Former Shi Yongxin, once widely known as the public face of the famous Shaolin Temple, has reportedly been sentenced to 24 years in prison after being convicted in a major corruption case involving nearly 300 million yuan (about S$53 million).
Chinese courts found that the former abbot had illegally embezzled, misappropriated and accepted bribes over several decades while managing temple-related affairs and projects.
The case has sparked massive discussion across Chinese social media, with many netizens shocked by the scale of the alleged financial misconduct linked to one of the world’s most recognisable Buddhist institutions.
According to court findings, Shi Yongxin illegally embezzled more than 131 million yuan (around S$24 million), both personally and together with accomplices.
Investigators also found that an additional 151 million yuan (around S$27.5 million) had allegedly been misappropriated for personal use.
Court Finds Former Abbot Accepted Millions In Bribes
Besides embezzlement charges, the court also ruled that Shi Yongxin had accepted more than 11 million yuan (around S$2 million) in bribes tied to temple construction and development projects.
The former monk, often nicknamed the “CEO Monk” by Chinese media because of the Shaolin Temple’s commercial expansion under his leadership, had long faced criticism over the blending of religion, tourism and business interests.
Over the years, the Shaolin Temple expanded into global branding ventures, martial arts performances, merchandise sales and overseas cultural projects, turning the temple into one of China’s most commercially recognised religious institutions.
The court additionally stated that Shi Yongxin violated Buddhist monastic rules by allegedly maintaining long-term relationships with multiple women and fathering at least one child.
These findings reignited older controversies that had circulated online for years, though authorities clarified that some viral internet claims had been exaggerated.
Online Rumours Exaggerated, But Court Confirms Major Financial Crimes
Chinese authorities noted that some online rumours claiming the former abbot spent billions of yuan or maintained dozens of mistresses were not part of the official court ruling.
Instead, the conviction focused specifically on the nearly 300 million yuan tied to embezzlement, misuse of funds and bribery offences.
Apart from the 24-year prison sentence, the court also imposed a fine of 3.5 million yuan, equivalent to around S$640,000.
The case has become one of the most high-profile scandals involving a major religious figure in China in recent years.
Many online users described the ruling as a major embarrassment for the centuries-old Shaolin Temple, which is internationally associated with Buddhist teachings, martial arts culture and Chinese heritage.
Others argued the case reflects broader concerns surrounding commercialisation and financial transparency within large religious organisations.