Shaolin Temple ex-abbot gets 24 years for embezzlement

A former abbot of China's famed Shaolin Temple has been handed a 24-year prison sentence for a decade-spanning embezzlement and corruption scheme. Liu Yingcheng, who held the title of abbot and was also known as Shi Yongxin, was found guilty by a court in Xinxiang, Henan province.

The court detailed that Liu exploited his positions as abbot and president of the Shaolin Charity Foundation to commit the crimes. Between 2003 and 2025, he allegedly embezzled assets worth over 131 million yuan (approximately $16.4 million). Further, he is accused of diverting more than 151 million yuan of organizational funds for personal use between 2012 and 2022.

Liu's alleged financial misconduct also included accepting over 11 million yuan in goods for temple construction projects since 2006. Additionally, from 1995 to 2022, he reportedly gave more than 5 million yuan in cash and goods to state officials to gain undue advantages. The court also imposed a fine of 3.5 million yuan.

Liu Yingcheng was removed from his duties in July 2025 due to "very" poor conduct and subsequently defrocked following an investigation. The court stated that the circumstances of the corruption were particularly serious, with a significant social impact. Liu has indicated he will not appeal the verdict.