Former abbot of Shaolin Temple sentenced to 24 years in prison.

After a 10-month investigation, former abbot of Shaolin Temple, Shi Yongxin, was sentenced to 24 years in prison for crimes related to embezzlement, misappropriation, and bribery.

Portrait of Abbot Shi Yongxin of Shaolin Temple - Photo: Sohu

According to Zaobao , on May 29, the Intermediate People's Court of Xinxiang City, Henan Province (China) publicly announced the first-instance verdict against Shi Yongxin (real name Liu Yingcheng) for the crimes of: misappropriation of assets in his position, illegal use of funds, and bribery.

Thich Vinh Tin did not appeal.

Combining multiple charges, the court decided to sentence him to 24 years in prison and fine him 3.5 million yuan.

Authorities accuse Thich Vinh Tin of exploiting his position as abbot of Shaolin Temple and chairman of the Shaolin Welfare Charity Foundation for personal gain.

Between 2003 and 2025, Thich Vinh Tin is alleged to have illegally misappropriated more than 131 million yuan of the unit's assets, either alone or in collusion with others.

Furthermore, between 2012 and 2022, Thich Vinh Tin was accused of using over 151 million yuan of the unit's funds for personal purposes and failing to repay the money for more than three months.

During his 26 years in power at the Shaolin Temple, Shi Yongxin was dubbed the " political monk" or "Shaolin CEO" for building a massive business empire spanning many fields such as culture, food, medicine, and fashion. - Photo: Weibo

From July 2006, Thich Vinh Tin also assisted others in construction projects and business activities related to the Shaolin Temple, thereby receiving bribes totaling more than 11.63 million yuan.

The announcement also stated that from 1995 to 2022, Thich Vinh Tin gave a total of more than 5.67 million yuan to government officials to obtain illicit benefits.

The court determined that Thich Vinh Tin's actions constituted the crimes of misappropriation of assets in his position, illegal use of funds, and bribery.

The embezzlement and bribery involved were deemed "exceptionally serious," the crimes occurred over a long period, had severe social consequences, and caused negative impacts, therefore requiring strict legal action.

According to the announcement, after his arrest, Thich Vinh Tin confessed honestly, proactively providing additional information about his crimes that the investigating agency had not yet grasped, and also pleaded guilty and expressed remorse. Based on the nature, extent, and social consequences of the case, the court issued the aforementioned verdict.

After the sentencing, Thich Vinh Tin stated in court that he accepted the verdict and would not appeal.

Previously, the Shaolin Temple management announced that Shi Yongxin was suspected of committing a criminal offense related to the embezzlement of project funds and temple assets.

Thích Vĩnh Tín is also accused of seriously violating Buddhist precepts, maintaining long-term illicit relationships with many women and fathering illegitimate children, and is currently under joint investigation by multiple agencies. A day later, the Buddhist Association of China announced the cancellation of his ordination certificate.

Thích Vĩnh Tín entered the Shaolin Temple as a monk at the age of 16 and studied under the late Abbot Hành Chính. In 1987, after Hành Chính passed away, he became the head of the Shaolin Temple Management Committee at the young age of 22 and began to manage the temple's affairs.

In 1999, Thich Vinh Tin was officially appointed abbot of Shaolin Temple and held this position for 26 years.

Hy Thanh

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/cuu-tru-tri-thieu-lam-tu-bi-ket-an-24-nam-tu-20260529204228924.htm