Former Shaolin Abbot Shi Yongxin Sentenced to 24 Years for Embezzlement

Former Shaolin Temple abbot Shi Yongxin (original name Liu Yingcheng) was sentenced to 24 years in prison by the Xinxiang Intermediate People's Court in Henan Province for embezzlement, misappropriation of funds, and bribery. During his tenure, Shi allegedly embezzled over 131 million RMB (approx. NT$600 million). The court found that between 2003 and 2025, Shi misappropriated temple funds and accepted bribes. Shi admitted to the charges in court and stated he would not appeal. Shi became the 30th abbot of the Shaolin Temple in 1999 and was known as the "CEO Abbot" for his aggressive commercialization of the temple. However, he faced constant controversies regarding his personal life and financial management, leading to his detention in July 2025.