Shaolin Temple Ex-Abbot Sentenced to 24 Years for Corruption
A Chinese court has sentenced Liu Yingcheng, the former abbot of the world-famous Shaolin Temple better known as Shi Yongxin, to 24 years in prison for embezzlement, bribery, and misappropriation of funds, bringing a dramatic end to the rise of the so-called “CEO Monk” who transformed the ancient Buddhist monastery into a global commercial empire.
The Xinxiang Intermediate People’s Court in Henan Province handed down the verdict on May 29, also imposing a fine of 3.5 million yuan (approximately $515,000). According to Caixin Global, Shi pleaded guilty at his trial on May 25, expressed remorse, and stated in court that he would not appeal the sentence.
The Scale of the Crimes
The court found that between 2003 and 2025, Shi embezzled over 131 million yuan ($19.2 million) in temple and foundation assets, acting alone or with others. From 2012 to 2022, he misappropriated more than 151 million yuan in temple funds for personal use, failing to return the money for over three months. Additionally, from July 2006 onward, he accepted over 11.63 million yuan in cash and valuables in exchange for helping others secure temple construction projects and business opportunities. The court also found that from 1995 to 2022, Shi offered more than 5.67 million yuan in bribes to state functionaries for improper benefits.
As the BBC reported, the court stated that Shi had misappropriated temple assets worth more than 282 million yuan ($42 million) in total when combining the embezzlement and fund misappropriation charges.
From Ruins to Empire
Shi Yongxin arrived at Shaolin Temple in 1981 at age 16, when the monastery lay in ruins after decades of political upheaval, including the Cultural Revolution. Under the mentorship of Abbot Xingzheng, he helped restore the temple’s finances, negotiating with local officials to regain control of ticket revenues in 1984. After Xingzheng’s death in 1987, Shi navigated internal power struggles and was formally installed as the 30th abbot in 1999 at age 34.
Shi’s defining strategy was to harness the Shaolin brand globally. He established the Shaolin Warrior Monk Troupe, orchestrated international tours, and met world leaders including Nelson Mandela, Queen Elizabeth II, and Vladimir Putin. The temple opened schools abroad, became a major tourist destination, and diversified into pharmaceuticals, real estate, media, and merchandise through its central commercial vehicle, Henan Shaolin Intangible Asset Management Co., established in 2008.
Previous Controversies and Downfall
In 2015, whistleblower allegations emerged accusing Shi of embezzlement, corruption, and sexual misconduct. An official investigation largely cleared him in 2017, though it noted financial mismanagement. In a 2015 interview with BBC Chinese, Shi famously said: “If there were a problem, it would have surfaced long ago.”
The 2025 investigation differed fundamentally because allegations emerged from official state bodies rather than individual whistleblowers. In May 2025, local government officials established a permanent presence at the temple through the newly formed Shaolin Temple Management Office. Shi was detained on July 25, 2025, and the Buddhist Association of China revoked his ordination certificate the following day, effectively excommunicating him after 25 years of leadership.
Broader Crackdown on Temple Commercialization
Shi’s case occurs against the backdrop of China’s broader crackdown on the commercial exploitation of religious sites. Under President Xi Jinping, the government has shifted from supporting religious commercialization to emphasizing frugality and political obedience. The “temple economy” in China is estimated to reach 100 billion yuan by 2025.
The court stated that the case “involved exceptionally large sums of money, particularly serious bribery offenses, and criminal conduct that continued over a prolonged period, causing serious harm and generating a highly negative social impact.” The Buddhist Association of China said the sentencing “embodies the principle that all are equal before the law and serves as a stern warning for members in Buddhist circles.”
What’s Next for Shaolin Temple
Shi’s replacement, Abbot Shi Yinle — installed in August 2025 — has announced an overhaul of Shaolin Inc., halting commercial performances and banning expensive consecration rituals. Known for his reputation of frugality, the new abbot represents a fundamental reorientation away from the commercialization that defined Shi Yongxin’s tenure.
The case establishes a template for government intervention in religious institutions’ financial affairs and may deter other religious leaders from aggressive commercialization. Outstanding questions remain about the fate of Shaolin Temple’s extensive commercial assets, international operations, and planned projects abroad, including a proposed $2.34 million complex in Australia.