Shi Yongxin, former abbot of the Shaolin Temple on Songshan Mountain in Henan Province, China, was sentenced in the first trial to 24 years in prison for crimes including misappropriation of funds and bribery. The Buddhist Association of China stated that this is 'entirely brought upon himself' and serves as a powerful warning for members of the Buddhist community.
On the 29th, the Buddhist Association issued a statement saying that, as members of the Buddhist community, 'we should firmly establish national consciousness, civic awareness, and legal awareness, and deeply realize that there is no religion, no place, or no person above the law.'
According to a report by China News Service, on the 29th, the Intermediate People's Court of Xinxiang City, Henan Province, publicly pronounced judgment in the first trial, sentencing the defendant Liu Yingcheng (former monastic name Shi Yongxin) for the crimes of occupational embezzlement, misappropriation of funds, non-state functionary bribery, and bribery. He was given a combined sentence of 24 years in prison and fined 3.5 million yuan (RMB, same below).
● Will Appeal If Not Satisfied with Verdict
After the verdict, the defendant Liu Yingcheng stated in court that he accepted the judgment and would not appeal.
The court found through investigation that Liu Yingcheng, taking advantage of his positions as abbot of the Shaolin Temple and president of the Shaolin Charity Welfare Foundation, alone or in collusion with others, illegally embezzled more than 131 million yuan from his organization between 2003 and 2025; misappropriated more than 151 million yuan of organizational funds for personal use between 2012 and 2022, failing to return them within three months; since July 2006, helped others in undertaking Shaolin Temple construction projects and related business activities, illegally accepting property totaling the equivalent of more than 11.63 million yuan. From 1995 to 2022, for the purpose of seeking illicit interests, Liu Yingcheng gave property amounting to more than 5.67 million yuan to state functionaries.
The Intermediate People's Court of Xinxiang City held that Liu Yingcheng's actions constituted the crimes of occupational embezzlement, misappropriation of funds, non-state functionary bribery, and bribery. His occupational embezzlement, misappropriation of funds, and non-state functionary bribery involved extremely large amounts; the bribery was especially serious, the criminal acts lasted a long time, caused serious consequences, and had a malign social impact. Therefore, he should be severely punished according to law. Liu Yingcheng truthfully confessed his crimes after being brought to justice, and voluntarily revealed some criminal facts not yet known to the authorities, and showed remorse. Based on the facts, nature, circumstances, and societal harm of Liu Yingcheng's crimes, the above sentence was rendered.
Previously, on May 25, the Intermediate People's Court of Xinxiang City held a public hearing of the case. The prosecution presented relevant evidence, while Liu Yingcheng and his defense lawyer cross-examined it. Both sides fully stated their opinions under the court’s oversight. Liu Yingcheng gave a final statement and expressed remorse for his crimes in court. Some people's congress deputies, political consultative conference members, religious sector representatives, members of the public, and Liu Yingcheng’s family attended the trial and verdict pronouncement sessions.