Ex-head monk of China's 'kung fu temple' jailed for embezzlement
The former head monk of China's Shaolin Temple has been sentenced to 24 years in prison for embezzlement and bribery. Shi Yongxin misappropriated over 282 million yuan from temple assets and illegally obtained funds from construction projects. He has admitted his guilt and will not appeal the court's verdict.
- ▪Shi Yongxin was sentenced to 24 years in jail for embezzlement and bribery.
- ▪He misappropriated temple assets worth more than 282 million yuan from 2003 to 2025.
- ▪Shi transformed the Shaolin Temple into a global brand during his tenure as abbot.
- ▪He was defrocked last year following an investigation into his conduct.
- ▪The Shaolin Temple is known as the birthplace of kung fu and attracts thousands of disciples annually.
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Ex-head monk of China's 'kung fu temple' jailed for embezzlementJust nowShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleJaroslav LukivGetty ImagesShi Yongxin - who had earlier admitted his guilt - said he would not appeal against Friday's court verdictThe former head of China's famous Shaolin Temple - known as the birthplace of kung fu - has been sentenced to 24 years in jail for crimes including embezzlement and bribery.Shi Yongxin had misappropriated temple assets worth more than 282m yuan ($42m; £31m) from 2003 to 2025, a court in the central Henan province said.It said Shi had also used his official position to illegally obtain millions from temple construction projects, as well as offering huge bribes to Chinese officials.Shi - whose birth name is Liu Yingcheng - had earlier admitted his guilt,…
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