Shaolin Temple ex-abbot jailed 24 years for embezzlement

The former head of China's revered Shaolin Temple, identified as Shi Yongxin, has received a 24-year prison sentence for a litany of crimes, including embezzlement and bribery. The Xinxiang Intermediate People's Court in Henan province stated that Liu Yingcheng, who used the monastic name Shi Yongxin, "took advantage of his positions as Shaolin Temple abbot and president of the Shaolin Charity Welfare Foundation." His offenses were deemed "particularly huge" with "particularly serious" bribery circumstances and an "enormous" social impact.

Investigations revealed that Liu, who led the temple from 1999 and was removed in July 2025 at age 59, embezzled assets exceeding 131 million yuan (US$19.4 million) between 2003 and 2025. He also misappropriated over 151 million yuan in organizational funds for personal use from 2012 to 2022. Furthermore, he illegally accepted over 11 million yuan related to temple construction projects since 2006 and offered more than 5 million yuan to "state functionaries" between 1995 and 2022 to secure "improper benefits."

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Crimes deserve punishment

The Shaolin Temple, renowned as the birthplace of kung fu, has faced criticism for commercializing Buddhism under Liu's tenure. The court also imposed a fine of 3.5 million yuan (US$517,000). Liu has indicated he will not appeal the verdict. Reactions on the social media platform Weibo were divided, with some users demanding punishment and others offering well wishes for his reform.

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It is hoped he will wake up, reform and provide good guidance and Buddhist light to all inmates