Overview

• Shaolin Temple officials announced on WeChat that Shi Yongxin has been removed from his abbot duties following circulating allegations.
• Investigators from the police, religious oversight bodies, and anti-corruption agencies are jointly examining claims of misappropriation of temple revenues.
• Authorities allege that he misappropriated funds intended for temple projects and engaged in relationships that violated Buddhist vows of celibacy.
• Shi has not issued any public response to the accusations since the suspension was announced.
• He has led Shaolin Temple as a global tourism brand since 1999 and was previously cleared of similar allegations in 2017 following claims made in 2015.