China Approves Arrest of Ex-Abbot of Shaolin Temple Over Embezzlement
Chinese authorities have approved the arrest of Shi Yongxin, former abbot of the globally renowned Shaolin Temple, for suspected embezzlement, misappropriation of funds, and accepting bribes as a non-state employee. Shi was removed from his role in July 2025 for “extremely bad behaviour,” and is accused of misusing project funds and temple assets, leading to a formal investigation and his defrocking by China's top Buddhist authority. Shi Yongxin, nicknamed the “CEO monk,” presided over the temple since 1999 and was responsible for expanding Shaolin’s influence worldwide. Despite significant accomplishments, he drew criticism for commercialising Buddhism and was accused by former monks of financial misconduct, maintaining a fleet of luxury vehicles, and personal scandals involving alleged children with multiple women. The Henan province Xinxiang Procuratorate announced Shi’s arrest has been formally approved, although reports are unclear about his current detention status. […]
