Shi Yongxin, the controversial figure who transformed the ancient martial arts monastery into a global business empire, pleaded guilty to charges including embezzlement and 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.

Crimes include embezzlement and taking bribes, Xinhua reports.