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Ex-Shaolin Abbot Jailed 24 Years for Embezzlement

Ex-Shaolin Abbot Jailed 24 Years for Embezzlement

Matichon•International•8h ago

Reader Briefing

A former abbot of China's famous Shaolin Temple has been sentenced to 24 years in prison for embezzling vast sums of money and accepting bribes.

  • •Former Shaolin Temple abbot Shi Yongxin (formerly Ling Yongcheng) was sentenced to 24 years in prison by a Chinese court in Henan province.
  • •The sentencing followed convictions for embezzlement and bribery, with over 131 million yuan (approximately 628 million baht) found to have been embezzled.
  • •The court also found that Shi Yongxin used temple funds for personal use and engaged in illicit relationships, violating Buddhist precepts. He was additionally fined 3.5 million yuan.

Overview

  • •Between 2003 and 2025, Shi Yongxin embezzled 131 million yuan, along with others or alone, resulting in his eventual conviction.
  • •Between 2012 and 2022, Shi Yongxin used 151 million yuan for personal expenses for over three months without repayment, leading to severe societal impact.
  • •The court stated that Shi Yongxin's crimes involved immense sums, especially severe bribery and prolonged criminal behavior, causing serious negative social impact.
  • •Shi Yongxin confessed to the charges, revealing details unknown to law enforcement and expressing remorse, which could influence sentencing.
  • •Last year, Shaolin Temple announced Shi Yongxin was under investigation for corruption and embezzlement of project funds and temple assets, initiating the legal process.
  • •Shi Yongxin's criminal actions included violating Buddhist precepts with long-term relationships with multiple women and fathering at least one child, leading to the temple's public announcement.
  • •Shaolin Temple, located in Henan, is renowned for its martial arts (Kung Fu) culture, referenced in films like the 1982 "Shaolin Temple" starring Jet Li.
  • •In 2015, Xinhua reported Shi Yongxin was known as "CEO Monk" and courted controversy through business ventures promoting Kung Fu performances and merchandise, setting a precedent for scrutiny.

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Key Entities

Organization

Chinese Court(ศาลจีน)
The judicial body that sentenced the former Shaolin abbot.
Shaolin Temple(วัดเส้าหลิน)ℹ️
A famous Chinese Buddhist temple known for its martial arts culture, whose former abbot was convicted of embezzlement.
CCTVℹ️
Chinese state television station that reported on the sentencing of the former Shaolin abbot.
Xinhua News Agency(ซินหัว)ℹ️
Chinese state news agency that reported on Shi Yongxin's 'CEO Monk' reputation in 2015.

Person

Shi Yongxin(นายซื่อหย่งซิ่น)
The former abbot of Shaolin Temple convicted of embezzlement and bribery.
Ling Yongcheng(หลิง อิงเฉิง)
The former name of Shi Yongxin, the former abbot of Shaolin Temple.
Jet Li(เจ็ท ลี)ℹ️
Martial arts superstar who starred in the 1982 film "Shaolin Temple."

Place

Henan Province(มณฑลเหอหนาน)ℹ️
The central Chinese province where the court that sentenced Shi Yongxin is located, and where Shaolin Temple is situated.