• Shi Yongxin, former abbot of the Shaolin Temple, sentenced to 24 years for embezzlement and bribery.
• He misappropriated over 300 million yuan ($42 million) from temple funds and construction projects.
• The sentencing has drawn mixed reactions on social media.
• Shi Yongxin's actions have severely damaged the reputation of the Shaolin Temple, a cultural icon.
• He admitted his guilt and will not appeal the court's decision.

Shi Yongxin, the former abbot of the renowned Shaolin Temple, has been sentenced to 24 years in prison and fined 3.5 million yuan (approximately $517,000) for crimes including embezzlement and bribery, according to South China Morning Post.

The court revealed that Shi embezzled and misappropriated temple assets worth over 300 million yuan between 2003 and 2025, employing both solo and collusive methods. His actions included accepting bribes exceeding 151 million yuan from 2012 to 2022, according to Channel News Asia and Los Angeles Times.

The former monk, who served as the temple's head from 1999, was under investigation last July with charges stemming from his extensive mismanagement and violations of Buddhist precepts. During his trial, he pleaded guilty and expressed his intent not to appeal the verdict, which was met with significant public interest, as noted by Reuters and BBC.

Shi Yongxin's leadership had transformed the Shaolin Temple into a globally recognized brand, earning him the nickname "CEO monk." However, this commercial success was overshadowed by his criminal activities, which ultimately led to his defrocking and prosecution, according to various reports, including South China Morning Post and Los Angeles Times.