How China’s Shaolin ‘CEO monk’ suffered a great fall? Under probe for ‘improper relationship’ with women, illegitimate kids, and embezzlement

Shi Yongxin, the abbot of China’s iconic Shaolin Temple, is under investigation for alleged embezzlement and violations of Buddhist conduct, the temple’s administration confirmed in a statement on Sunday, July 27.

The statement said Shi is suspected of misappropriating project funds and temple assets. He is also accused of violating Buddhist precepts by maintaining improper relationships with multiple women over an extended period and fathering at least one child, which the temple authority called illegitimate in their WeChat post, a serious breach of monastic vows that require celibacy.

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Several government departments are jointly conducting the investigation. The temple administration said, “Relevant information will be announced to the public in a timely manner. " Shi has not commented publicly, and CNN has been unable to reach him.

Who is Shi Yongxin?

Shi Yongxin, 59, has led the Shaolin Temple since 1999. Known in Chinese media as the “CEO monk,” he is widely recognized for commercializing the temple and expanding its global presence.

He is the first Chinese abbot to hold an MBA and has been active in politics, serving as a delegate to China’s National People’s Congress for two decades.

He was frequently spotted traveling around the world with an iPhone in hand, meeting influential figures such as the late Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain, the late South African President Nelson Mandela, Henry Kissinger, and Apple CEO Tim Cook. In February 2025, Shi led a delegation of monks to meet Pope Francis at the Vatican.

Under his leadership, the temple licensed its name to films, games, and cartoons, staged Shaolin kung fu performances globally, and entered into publishing, traditional Chinese medicine, tourism, and real estate ventures.

Past criticism

Shi’s efforts to brand and commercialize Shaolin drew criticism over the years, with some accusing him of undermining the temple’s spiritual role.

According to a CNN report, in 2006, he accepted a 1 million yuan car from a local government to promote tourism, which sparked backlash. At the time, he told Chinese state media, “Monks are also citizens… we have fulfilled our duties and made contributions to society.”

In 2015, Shi Yongxin faced a wave of allegations posted on Chinese social media by an anonymous user claiming to be a former disciple.

The accusations included embezzlement, having multiple identities, and fathering children, charges that made national headlines.

The Shaolin Temple denied the claims, calling them “fabricated and malicious,” and authorities launched an investigation.

According to Caixin Global and CNN, the probe concluded in 2017 with no evidence to support the allegations, and Shi was cleared of wrongdoing.

Despite that, Shi remained influential and was re-elected in 2020 as deputy head of the Buddhist Association of China.

Consequences

On Monday, July 28, the Buddhist Association of China announced, citing the Shaolin Temple Management’s situation report, that Shi had been stripped of his ordination certificate.

In a statement quoted by CNN, the association said his actions were “of an extremely egregious nature, severely tarnishing the reputation of the Buddhist community.”

The Shaolin Temple, founded over 1,500 years ago (AD 495) in Henan province, is revered worldwide for its connection to Zen Buddhism and Shaolin kung fu. It is the birthplace of Chan Buddhism, a precursor to the meditative Zen tradition, and is famous for its “warrior monks.”