Chinese court sentences former Shaolin Temple abbot to 24 years for bribery

A Chinese court has sentenced Shi Yongxin, former abbot of the country's famous Shaolin Temple, to 24 years in prison for misappropriation of funds and bribery.

State broadcaster CCTV reported the court found Shi embezzled over 131 million yuan ($19 million) and misappropriated more than 151 million yuan (about $22 million) for personal use, among other findings.

CCTV said the court described his crimes as involving huge amounts and having an adverse social impact.

Shi confessed and showed remorse.

Last year, the Shaolin Temple announced there was an investigation into his activities.

Shi was once known as a “CEO monk” and faced controversy over commercializing the temple's kung fu culture.