Famed Shaolin Temple Abbot Investigated for Embezzlement, Sexual Misconduct

The abbot of China’s renowned Shaolin Temple, Shi Yongxin, is under official investigation for alleged criminal and ethical violations, as announced by the Shaolin Temple Management Office. The investigation is being conducted by a joint task force from multiple government departments, with further updates promised to the public [para. 1][para. 3].

Shi Yongxin stands accused of embezzling project funds and misappropriating temple assets. In addition to financial misconduct, he is also suspected of “severely violating Buddhist disciplines,” specifically maintaining long-term inappropriate relationships with several women and fathering children out of wedlock [para. 2].

The Shaolin Temple, situated in Henan province, is globally famous for its history with kung fu, with its reputation bolstered by martial-arts films and the 1970s TV series “Kung Fu.” Since taking leadership, Shi has aggressively commercialized the monastery’s cultural heritage, sending monk troupes on international tours, opening Shaolin cultural centers worldwide, and pursuing trademark protections for the Shaolin brand [para. 4][para. 5]. This approach has transformed the 1,500-year-old institution into a major tourist destination and lucrative business, with revenue derived from ticket sales, licensing, and performances [para. 6].

Shi was reportedly detained late Friday night in Henan and news of his detention began circulating soon after. Sources indicated that prior to his detention, he had been prohibited from leaving the country after returning from an overseas trip around the Chinese New Year, and was questioned by authorities, though he could still move within China at the time [para. 7][para. 8]. The level of scrutiny increased in May when the local government sent officials to the temple, forming the Shaolin Temple Management Office with staff drawn from religious and political departments, signaling intensified official oversight [para. 9].

Born Liu Yingcheng in 1965, Shi became a monk at Shaolin Temple in 1981 and was appointed as the 30th abbot in 1999. His leadership greatly expanded the temple’s international fame and financial success, especially due to its kung fu associations [para. 10].

This is not Shi’s first brush with controversy. A decade ago, similar accusations regarding embezzlement, corruption, and sexual misconduct appeared online, fueled partly by a disciple named Shi Yanlu and an anonymous whistleblower. The previous investigation largely exonerated Shi, with officials dismissing the accusations in 2015 [para. 11][para. 12][para. 13].

The current investigation, however, differs from previous episodes in that allegations are now emerging from official state bodies, lending them more weight and seriousness [para. 14]. The context involves longstanding disputes between Shi and local authorities over financial and managerial control of the temple’s assets, especially issues related to ticket revenues and the all-important Shaolin trademark [para. 15].

Shi has long pushed for legal reforms that would give temples more financial autonomy, but under Chinese law, religious institutions are registered as non-profits; their assets and revenues must be used for religious or charitable purposes, not personal gain [para. 16][para. 17]. The unfolding investigation will not only examine the claims of sexual misconduct but is also expected to probe deeply into questions of ownership and management of the monastery’s considerable wealth [para. 18].