Shaolin Temple scandal: China probes ex-abbot over embezzlement and sexual misconduct

China has launched a renewed investigation into Shi Yongxin, the former abbot of the iconic Shaolin Temple, over allegations of embezzlement and sexual misconduct — more than a decade after similar accusations first emerged.

The 1,500-year-old monastery, widely regarded as the birthplace of Zen Buddhism and Chinese kung fu, issued a statement on its official WeChat account confirming that Shi is under formal investigation.

The probe, reportedly involving ‘multiple departments’, accuses the disgraced abbot of misappropriating temple assets and violating Buddhist discipline by maintaining long-term relationships with several women and fathering illegitimate children.

Shi Yongxin, 59, rose to national and international prominence after taking over as abbot in 1999. Known colloquially as the ‘CEO monk’, he spearheaded the temple’s commercial expansion and helped establish dozens of affiliated companies abroad to promote Shaolin culture.

While supporters praised his efforts to preserve and globalise Shaolin traditions, critics accused him of commercialising Buddhism.

Nonetheless, Shi became a powerful religious and political figure, serving as vice-chairman of the Buddhist Association of China and as a delegate to the National People’s Congress.

The sudden resurgence of the case has sparked intense debate on Chinese social media, with many questioning why authorities are acting now, years after the original claims were made public.

“This time I wasn't surprised he did such things, but surprised by what changed that he can't escape scot-free like before,” wrote one user on Weibo, China’s X-like platform.

A hashtag related to the scandal had garnered over 560 million views on Weibo by Monday morning, reflecting the widespread public interest.

In 2015, Shi faced similar allegations involving rape, embezzlement, and fathering children. Those claims were ultimately dismissed after investigations by provincial authorities in Henan, where the temple is located, citing insufficient evidence.

In response to the latest revelations, the China Buddhist Association moved swiftly to sever ties with Shi.

On Monday, it announced that his ordination certificate had been revoked following a recommendation by Henan’s provincial Buddhist authority.

“Shi Yongxin’s actions are extremely egregious and have severely damaged the reputation of the Buddhist community and the public image of monks,” the association said in a strongly worded statement. It also expressed firm support for legal proceedings against him.

Born Liu Yingcheng, Shi Yongxin was instrumental in transforming the Shaolin Temple — also famed for its appearance in the 1982 martial arts film The Shaolin Temple — into a global cultural brand.

He had long maintained that monks must engage with the secular world to preserve and promote authentic Shaolin traditions.

Yet this secular engagement, critics argue, blurred the lines between spiritual leadership and personal ambition.

With the latest investigation under way, Shi’s once-vaunted legacy now stands at risk of being overshadowed by scandal.

—  With inputs from agencies