Liu Yingcheng (Formerly Known as Shi Yongxin) Sentenced to 24 Years in First Instance

On May 29, 2026, the Xinxiang Intermediate People's Court of Henan Province publicly sentenced the defendant Liu Yingcheng (formerly known as Shi Yongxin) in the first instance for crimes of embezzlement, misappropriation of funds, bribery by a non-state functionary, and offering bribes. The court imposed a combined sentence of 24 years in prison and a fine of 3.5 million RMB.

The court found that Liu Yingcheng, taking advantage of his positions as the abbot of Shaolin Temple and chairman of the Shaolin Charity and Welfare Foundation, individually or jointly with others, illegally embezzled 131 million RMB of institutional assets from 2003 to 2025; misappropriated 151 million RMB of institutional funds for personal use between 2012 and 2022, failing to return them for over three months; and since July 2006, accepted bribes totaling approximately 11.63 million RMB by providing assistance to others in contracting Shaolin Temple construction projects and related business activities. From 1995 to 2022, Liu gave approximately 5.67 million RMB in bribes to state functionaries to seek improper benefits.

The Xinxiang Intermediate People's Court held that Liu Yingcheng's actions constituted the crimes of embezzlement, misappropriation of funds, bribery by a non-state functionary, and offering bribes. The amounts involved in his crimes of embezzlement, misappropriation of funds, and bribery by a non-state functionary were all particularly huge, and the circumstances of his bribe-offering were especially severe. His criminal activities spanned a long period and caused serious harm and adverse social impact, warranting strict punishment according to law. After his arrest, Liu Yingcheng truthfully confessed his crimes, voluntarily disclosed some criminal facts not yet known to the investigative authorities, admitted his guilt, and expressed remorse. Based on the facts, nature, circumstances, and the degree of social harm of Liu's crimes, the court rendered the above judgment in accordance with the law.

After the verdict was announced, Liu Yingcheng stated in court that he accepted the judgment and would not appeal.

Earlier, the Xinxiang Intermediate People's Court had publicly heard the case on May 25, 2026. The prosecution presented relevant evidence, which was cross-examined by the defendant and his defense counsel. Both the prosecution and defense fully presented their opinions under the court's direction, and Liu Yingcheng made his final statement, expressing his guilt and remorse in court. Some deputies to the People's Congress, members of the Political Consultative Conference, representatives of religious circles, members of the public, and relatives of the defendant attended the trial and the sentencing hearing.