Beijing: Shi Yongxin, former head priest of China's Shaolin Temple, who played a significant role in popularising kung fu around the world, was on Friday sentenced to 24 years in prison under graft charges, official media reported.

Shi was convicted of crimes including duty encroachment, embezzlement of funds and bribery, according to the Intermediate People's Court of Xinxiang City in central China's Henan Province, state-run Xinhua news agency reported. He was also fined 3.5 million yuan ($516,000). The monk was sacked and detained in July last year for violating Buddhist precepts. The violations included maintaining long-term, improper relationships with multiple women and fathering illegitimate children.

He had been Shaolin Temple's abbot since 1999 and earned the nickname "CEO monk" for his role in transforming the institution into a popular brand worldwide.

Founded in 495 AD, the temple is located in the foothills of Song Mountain. Agencies