Shaolin Temple abbot under investigation for involvement in multiple scandals

On the evening of July 27, Shaolin Temple officially announced that abbot Thich Vinh Tin was being investigated for criminal violations. This information appeared after social media spread the news that he was taken away by authorities for investigation.

Portrait of Shaolin Temple abbot Thich Vinh Tin - Photo: WEIBO

According to a notice posted on the official website of Shaolin Temple, abbot Shi Yongxin was accused of embezzlement, misappropriation of project capital and temple assets, and serious violations of Buddhist precepts by maintaining illicit relationships with many women for a long time and having children out of wedlock, reported Botawang.

He is currently being investigated by many authorities.

Shaolin Temple abbot Thich Vinh Tin under criminal investigation

Previously, on July 26, Chinese media quoted sources saying that Thich Vinh Tin was taken away for investigation since July 24.

On July 27, a photo of what is believed to be a "Security Notice" from the Kaifeng City Police Department was also circulated on social media, accusing Shi Yongxin of leading 34 people, including his lover and stepchildren, to board a flight from Pudong International Airport (Shanghai) to Los Angeles (USA) but was stopped.

However, the official WeChat account of Kaifeng City Police Department, "Ping'an Kaifeng", responded that the circulated document was fake, and confirmed that the police were carrying out relevant operations.

Shaolin Temple abbot under criminal investigation: Property and love scandal shakes Chinese Buddhist community - Photo: WEIBO

In addition, according to the Cam Quan News channel under the Chengdu Daily , on the morning of July 26, many unusual movements appeared at the Shaolin Temple. Thich Vinh Tin's personal Weibo page suddenly stopped updating, the most recent post was posted at 6:58 am on July 24.

Tri Tri Thich Vinh Tin, real name Luu Ung Thanh, was born on September 6, 1965 in Ung Thuong district, Anhui province, Han ethnicity.

He was 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 Buddhist Association of Henan Province and Vice Chairman of the Buddhist Association of China.

The announcement stated: "Currently, Thich Vinh Tin is being investigated by many authorities. Related information will be promptly announced to the public" - Photo: HK01

During his 26 years in power at Shaolin Temple, Thich Vinh Tin was known as the " political monk" or "Shaolin CEO" when he built a huge commercial empire spanning many fields such as culture, cuisine, medicine, fashion...

With dozens of domestic and foreign businesses under his management, Shaolin Temple has transformed from a place of religious practice to the center of gossip and fame.

In 2015, a fellow student who studied at Shaolin Temple with the dharma name Thich Chinh Nghia filed a public complaint against Thich Vinh Tin for embezzling temple property, supporting many women, and having children out of wedlock. Although the accuser claimed to have a lot of evidence, the matter was later silenced.

Shanghai

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/tru-tri-thieu-lam-tu-bi-dieu-tra-vi-dinh-liu-nhieu-be-boi-20250727221212759.htm