Chinese prosecutors charge former Shaolin Temple's 'CEO monk'

20-03-2026 18:39 HKT

Buddhist abbot Shi Yongxin, a delegate of the National People's Congress (NPC), walks towards the Great Hall of the People for a plenary meeting of the NPC, China's parliament, in Beijing, China, March 4, 2016. REUTERS/Jason Lee/File Photo

Prosecutors in the central Chinese province of Henan have charged Shi Yongxin, former abbot of the Shaolin Temple, for alleged embezzlement, misappropriation of funds and bribery, state news agency Xinhua reported Friday.

Shi, 60, was put under investigation in July last year.

Nicknamed the "CEO monk" and known for his commercial ambitions, Shi sought to capitalise on the fame of the 1,500-year-old Shaolin Temple during his decades-long tenure.

The temple is located in Henan and is the fabled birthplace of kung fu.

Reuters

Chinese prosecutors charge Shaolin Temple 'CEO monk'

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