BEIJING, China: Shi Yongxin, the former abbot of China's Shaolin Temple, was sentenced to 24 years in prison for crimes such as embezzlement and bribery, according to state media on May 29.

Shi, who is 60 years old, was officially charged in March this year after being placed under investigation in July last year.

A court in Henan province in central China gave the sentence, saying that Shi misused his position to steal, misuse funds, and both take and give bribes totaling about 300 million yuan (around US$44.33 million) over nearly 30 years.

The 60-year-old had led the temple for more than 25 years but was removed from his role last year after a series of scandals. Authorities said the case involves several financial crimes, although the exact amounts have not been fully revealed.

The controversy goes beyond financial issues. Shi has also been accused of breaking Buddhist rules, including having improper relationships and fathering a child, claims that shocked many people because of his position as a well-known monk.

Shi had become famous for turning Shaolin into a global brand, but later drew attention for concerns about money, power, and influence within China's religious institutions.