Abbot Shi Yongxin Faces Serious Allegations
The renowned Shaolin Temple in China’s Henan province has confirmed that its abbot, Shi Yongxin, is under criminal investigation for alleged embezzlement and personal misconduct.
According to a statement issued by the monastery on July 27, Yongxin is accused of misappropriating temple assets and project funds. Additionally, the 59-year-old monk is alleged to have maintained inappropriate relationships with several women and fathered illegitimate children, as first reported by The Guardian.
The Rise and Fall of the “CEO Monk”
Shi Yongxin, often dubbed the “CEO Monk,” took charge of the 1,530-year-old temple in 1999. Holding an MBA degree, he spearheaded efforts to commercialize the historic site, leading to both acclaim and criticism. His initiatives included global kung fu promotions and international real estate ventures under the Shaolin brand.
In 2006, Yongxin came under fire for accepting luxury cars as gifts. By 2015, he faced public outrage for proposing a Shaolin-themed cultural complex in Australia featuring a hotel and golf course. That same year, he was similarly accused of financial irregularities and sexual misconduct, though the charges did not result in legal action at the time.
Investigations Underway by Multiple Authorities
This latest investigation is being conducted by “multiple departments,” the temple confirmed in its official statement, which was also cited by CNN. While the exact agencies involved remain undisclosed, the case has attracted national and international attention.
Yongxin, who has amassed a following of over 870,000 on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, has remained silent since July 24. The temple has pledged to provide additional updates as the investigation progresses.
