HENAN PROVINCE — A Chinese court sentenced Shi Yongxin, former abbot of China’s Shaolin Temple, to 24 years in prison for corruption-related offenses. The court in central Henan province also fined him 3.5 million yuan (approximately $516,000).

The court found that Shi Yongxin illegally embezzled over 131 million yuan (approximately $19 million) between 2003 and 2025, either alone or in conspiracy with others. It also determined that he misappropriated over 151 million yuan (approximately $22 million) for personal use for more than three months without repayment between 2012 and 2022.

“The crimes involved huge amounts, the bribery offenses were particularly serious, and the criminal conduct lasted for a long period,” the court said, according to CCTV. “They caused severely harmful consequences and adverse social impact.”

Shi Yongxin confessed to his crimes, voluntarily disclosed details not yet discovered by law enforcement, and showed remorse, the court noted. His cooperation was acknowledged during sentencing.

Shi Yongxin, whose original name is Liu Yingcheng, had drawn attention for his role in expanding the temple’s commercial activities. China’s state news agency Xinhua reported in 2015 that he was known as a “CEO monk” for developing commercial operations to promote kung fu shows and merchandise.

In 2025, the Shaolin Temple announced that Shi Yongxin was under investigation for suspected misappropriation and embezzlement of project funds and temple assets. The temple is located in Henan province and is renowned for its martial arts culture, or kung fu.