Portrait of the abbot of Shaolin Temple, Shi Yongxin - Photo: WEIBO
According to a report on the official website of Shaolin Temple, Botawang News reported that Abbot Shi Yongxin is accused of embezzlement, misappropriation of project funds and temple assets, and serious violations of Buddhist precepts by maintaining illicit relationships with multiple women over a long period and fathering illegitimate children.
He is currently under investigation by multiple agencies working together.
Shaolin Temple abbot Shi Yongxin is under criminal investigation.
Previously, on July 26, Chinese media, citing sources, reported that Shi Yongxin had been taken in for investigation since July 24.
On July 27, images allegedly showing a "Security Situation Notice" from the Kaifeng City Public Security Bureau circulated on social media, accusing Shi Yongxin of leading 34 people, including his mistress and stepchildren, on a flight from Pudong International Airport (Shanghai) to Los Angeles (USA) but being intercepted.
However, the official WeChat account of the Kaifeng City Public Security Bureau, named "Ping An Kaifeng," responded that the circulating document was fake and confirmed that the police were conducting relevant investigations.
Shaolin Temple Abbot Under Criminal Investigation: Property and Love Scandal Rocks Chinese Buddhist Circle - Photo: WEIBO
Furthermore, according to the Jin Guan News channel affiliated with the Chengdu Daily , unusual activity occurred at Shaolin Temple on the morning of July 26th. Shi Yongxin's personal Weibo page suddenly stopped updating, with the most recent post being published at 6:58 AM on July 24th.
Abbot Thich Vinh Tin, whose secular name is Luu Ung Thanh, was born on September 6, 1965, in Ying Shang County, Anhui Province, and is of Han ethnicity.
He served as a delegate to the Chinese National People's Congress from the 9th to the 12th terms, and also held the positions of Chairman of the Henan Provincial Buddhist Association and Vice Chairman of the Buddhist Association of China.
The announcement stated: "Currently, Thich Vinh Tin is being investigated by multiple authorities in coordination. Relevant information will be released to the public promptly." - Photo: HK01
During his 26 years in power at the Shaolin Temple, Shi Yongxin was dubbed the " political monk" or "Shaolin CEO" for building a vast business empire spanning many fields such as culture, food, medicine, and fashion.
With dozens of domestic and foreign businesses under his management, the Shaolin Temple transformed from a place of serene asceticism into a focal point of controversy and pursuit of fame and fortune.
In 2015, a fellow student who had studied at the Shaolin Temple under the monastic name Thich Chinh Nghia filed a public complaint against Thich Vinh Tin for embezzling temple funds, supporting multiple women, and having illegitimate children. Despite the accuser claiming to have ample evidence, the matter subsequently faded into silence.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/tru-tri-thieu-lam-tu-bi-dieu-tra-vi-dinh-liu-nhieu-be-boi-20250727221212759.htm
Comment (0)