Shaolin Temple leader under investigation on suspicion of embezzling funds
The notice said multiple departments are conducting a joint investigation against Shi Yongxin, and relevant findings would be announced to the public in due course.
The fame of the Shaolin Temple, based in the central Chinese province of Henan, has gone beyond a religious institution.
It is also famous for its martial arts culture, or kung fu, which has been referenced in many movies and TV dramas, including the 1982 film The Shaolin Temple, starring martial arts superstar Jet Li.
The news about Shi Yongxin, whose original name Liu Yingcheng, ranked top on Chinese search engine Baidu and X-like social media platform Weibo on Sunday night.
Local media reported that the abbot had been hit by scandalous accusations in the past, including claims that he fathered several children and embezzled money. According to news outlet Caixin Global, provincial investigation reports exonerated him of all charges in 2016.
Shi Yongxin entered Shaolin Temple in 1981 and became its abbot in 1999, according to the temple's website. Xinhua in 2015 reported that he was known as a 'CEO monk,' as one of the first Chinese monks to obtain an MBA, and he had sparked controversy for developing commercial operations like lucrative kung fu shows and merchandise.
Earlier on Sunday, Chinese local media outlets reported that authorities had dismissed an online notice claiming Shi Yongxin was intercepted by authorities while trying to flee with his mistresses and children as fake.
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Irish Post
a day ago
- Irish Post
Message in a bottle from missing crew washes up on Irish shores four years later
A MESSAGE in a bottle discovered on the coast of a remote Irish island has captured global attention and revived questions surrounding the unexplained disappearance of a Taiwanese fishing crew more than four years ago. The bottle, found on the shore of Inisheer (Inis Oírr), the smallest of the Aran Islands, contained a handwritten note in a mix of Indonesian, English, and Chinese. It was discovered last week by Matthew Laming and a friend while they were walking along the beach. After breaking open the wax-sealed bottle, they found what appeared to be a desperate SOS message. 'We used Google Translate, and the first part of it translated to an SOS in Indonesian,' Laming said in an interview. 'At first, I thought it was a prank, but now, I'm not so sure.' According to Laming's Reddit post, the note reads, 'Please send help! We are lost since 12/20. There are 3 of us here. We don't know the name of this island. We are injured. HELP. HELLO. SOS.' The note ends with the Chinese character 'Li' (李) and the name 'Yong Yu Sing No. 18,' the designation of a Taiwanese tuna fishing vessel that went missing in late 2020. The Yong Yu Sing No. 18 was last heard from on December 30, 2020. Just days later, the US Coast Guard found the vessel drifting aimlessly over 600 miles northeast of Midway Atoll in the Pacific Ocean. The boat's windows were shattered, its lifeboat was missing, and the ten-man crew—including a Taiwanese captain surnamed Li and nine Indonesian fishermen—were gone without a trace. Taiwanese prosecutors later ruled the incident an accident but offered no answers about what happened to the crew. The case remains one of the country's most unsettling maritime mysteries. The note's sudden appearance thousands of miles away in the Atlantic Ocean has sparked an online frenzy, particularly on Reddit, where Laming's post on the subreddit r/beachcombing quickly went viral. Internet users dug into the message's possible origins, some pointing out the similarities to the real-life disappearance of the Yong Yu Sing No. 18, while others speculated on ocean currents, timelines, and whether the note could have plausibly made it from the Pacific to the Irish coast. Some sceptics dismissed it as a hoax, noting the improbability of such a message surviving the ocean's journey for over four years. But others took the note seriously, especially after connecting it to the captain's surname and the ship's exact name. A few commenters even drew comparisons to historical cases, such as the 1992 Friendly Floatees incident, in which thousands of plastic toys released during a shipping accident were found on beaches around the world decades later. In Taiwan, the note is being treated with caution but seriousness. The Su'Ao Fisherman's Association, which represents many of the region's fishermen, issued a statement calling on the government to verify the message and, if confirmed, to cooperate with international authorities on potential rescue or recovery efforts. The Taiwan Yilan District Prosecutors Office, which led the original investigation, has not publicly responded to the discovery. Meanwhile, Laming and his friend handed the message over to local authorities in Galway. Ireland's police service, An Garda Síochána, confirmed receiving a report of the item found on Inisheer but declined to comment on third-party content or ongoing speculation. While the message is yet to be unverified, its emotional impact is undeniable. For the families of the missing crew, the note—whether genuine or not—serves as a painful reminder of unanswered questions and lost loved ones. For internet sleuths, it's a mystery that might yet unravel. 'My gut tells me it's a hoax,' Laming admitted, 'but Reddit has made me think—just maybe.' See More: An Garda Síochána, Aran Islands, Fishing, Reddit, Taiwan
Irish Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
New York shooting latest as policeman among four dead in 'pure evil' tragedy
At least four people have been killed in an active shooter incident in New York City, with several others injured amid a terrifying incident in Manhattan One police officer is among the deceased in the tragic incident that saw a major evacuation of homes and businesses in one of the city's busiest areas. The incident unfolded in a skyscraper in the midtown Manhattan region, with local police confirming that officer Didarul Islam, aged 36, died in the travesty which has been condemned as 'pure evil' by authorities. The married father-of-two was hailed as a "hero brother" by his colleagues at a press conference last night. Are you in New York City and affected by the lockdown? Contact webnews@ 08:58 Ryan Fahey Eyewitnesses described hearing loud noises before people started scrambling to safety as Shane Temura stormed the Manhattan Midtown skyscraper. 'It felt like it was a quick two shots and then it was rapid fire,' Nekeisha Lewis, who had been eating dinner nearby, told the Associated Press. Then she heard windows shattering and watching a man sprint from the building. As he ran, he cried out, 'Help, help. I'm shot,' she told AP. 'It was like a crowd panic,' said Anna Smith, who took shelter in the finance office building for two hours until being cleared to leave. 08:43 Ryan Fahey Video has emerged showing the chaos that broke out after a gunman stormed a skyscraper in New York City and shot four people dead. 08:31 Ryan Fahey A former high school friend of the gunman was shocked to learn of the atrocity he committed in Midtown Manhattan yesterday. 'When I knew him, he was a great teammate. He was a great guy in general. He didn't cause any problems, actually at all, in the locker room or on the field. He was just a guy that really enjoyed the sport, not problematic at all,' the former friend told CNN affiliate KABC. Multiple sources say Tamura was a former football player. 'When I found out the news, I was really shocked and I just really couldn't believe it,' the former friend said. 08:04 Ryan Fahey CTE, or chronic traumatic encephalopathy, is a progressive Alzheimer's-like condition that comes from repeated head trauma - and has most commonly been associated with contact sports, military service and physical assault. According to studies, the condition can be caused by repetitive blows to the head - even without concussion. There is no known cure - with sufferers told to manage symptoms, which include memory loss, mood swings and behavioural changes to name a few. If left untreated, the neurodegenerative condition can develop into full-blown dementia. The suspect's request to have his brain tested after death is the only way that CTE can be definitively diagnosed. 07:32 Ryan Fahey The gunman had a suicide note in his back pocket that may point to a motive behind his chilling actions in Manhattan yesterday. In the note, it said he suffered from CTE - a brain disease linked to head trauma, a source with knowledge of the investigation told CNN. He also asked for his brain to be studied. 'Terry Long football gave me CTE and it caused me to drink a gallon of antifreeze,' the shooter wrote, according to the source. 'You can't go against the NFL, they'll squash you.' He continued in the note: 'CTE chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Study my brain please I'm sorry Tell Rick I'm sorry for everything." FBI agents arrive to the scene after a police officer (Image: Anadolu via Getty Images) 07:17 Ryan Fahey A childhood friend of the gunman Shane Devon Tamura, who asked to remain anonymous, remembered him as a nice person and good athlete. The friend - who had lost contact with the shooter in his teens - said they didn't think it was something he would be capable of, reports CNN. 07:14 Ryan Fahey The shooter was found carrying papers which suggest he had a grievance with the NFL and its handling of a brain disease linked to head trauma, CNN has been told. The NFL had offices in the building where Shane Devon Tamura gunned down four people today before turning the gun on himself. Tamura first opened fire in the lobby before taking an elevator to the 33rd floor. While walking across that floor, he started shooting, hitting someone before turning the gun on himself. The NFL offices are said to be on the fifth floor. 06:36 KEY EVENT An NFL employee is in hospital with serious injuries - but in a stable condition. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell gave the update in a media statement, and reassured his colleagues who work from the site. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell sends NFL employees message about shooting at building where NFL offices are located. An NFL employee was 'seriously injured' but is in stable condition — Armando Salguero (@ArmandoSalguero) July 29, 2025 06:32 Bradley Jolly KPMG, a financial company that has offices in the building, released a statement that said: "Our hearts go out to the victims of this horrific act and their families. "We are incredibly grateful for the bravery of building security and law enforcement." Two police officers seen on the New York City street (Image: Peter Gerber) 05:58 Bradley Jolly A man with a rifle killed an off-duty police officer and three other people before taking his own life yesterday. The gunman - named in a press conference as Shane Tamura - brazenly struck at an office block in Manhattan, New York City, home to large companies, such as banks and the National Football League (NFL). Law enforcement officials are working to unravel what took place and why this location may have been targeted in the Big Apple. The city had recently announced it was on pace to have its fewest people hurt by gunfire than any year in recent decades. However, it is now mourning those killed, including "hero brother" police officer Didarul Islam. Colleagues paid tribute to the 36-year-old man, whose wife is pregnant with their third child, at a press conference last night. Everything we know as crazed gunman kills four people including hero cop 05:27 Bradley Jolly The Manhattan mass shooter's chilling final movements and actions have been laid bare. Shane Tamura travelled more than 2,500 miles from Las Vegas to New York to carry out the horror on Monday night, which saw him kill at least four innocent people. The 27-year-old man then turned the weapon on himself in the skyscraper in Manhattan. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch told reporters at a press conference last night Tamura left Las Vegas on 26 July and drove across several states to arrive in New York City on Monday. His vehicle, registered under his name in Nevada, was discovered at the crime scene with a rifle case, a revolver, ammunition, magazines, a backpack and medications prescribed to him, she said. New details emerge about Shane Tamura's actions before attack A surveillance camera has captured an image of the suspected gunman 04:38 Bradley Jolly The gunman Shane Tamura lived with his parents in a Las Vegas gated community. Photographs taken there moments ago - at around 8.30pm local time - show Las Vegas Metropolitan Police officers stood guard outside the family home. Police seen outside the Las Vegas home of the man who killed three people (Image: Fox News) 04:32 Anthony Orrico NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch described the minute by minute timeline of the Manhattan shooter's movements and actions at a news conference Monday night. She also detailed the 27-year-old gunman's cross-country venture that led him to the Midtown office building, where he killed five people, including a police officer, before turning his gun on himself. The commissioner said the shooter, identified as Shane Tamura of Las Vegas, departed Las Vegas on July 26 and drove across several states to reach New York City on Monday. His vehicle, which was registered under his name in Nevada, was found at the scene of the attack with a rifle case, a revolver, ammunition, magazines, a backpack and medications that were prescribed to him, she said. 04:21 Bradley Jolly The police officer tragically killed in a mass shooting in New York has been named as Didarul Islam. The 36-year-old man, who had served with New York Police Department (NYPD) for three-and-a-half years, was an immigrant from Bangladesh and a devoted father, with his wife currently expecting their second child. Officer Islam was fatally shot in the back while working as a security guard - his second job - at 345 Park Avenue on Monday night. Despite being swiftly taken to hospital and undergoing surgery, efforts to save him were ultimately unsuccessful. Mayor Eric Adams paid tribute to Officer Islam in a heartfelt speech on Monday night, praising him as a "person of faith" who had a deep love for New York City. The mayor continued: "He was doing what he does best, as all members of the police department carry out he was saving lives. He was protecting New Yorkers. He's an immigrant from Bangladesh, and he loved this city, and everyone we spoke with stated he was a person of faith and a person that believed in God and believed in living out the life of a godly person." Police officer killed in skyscraper shooting lauded as 'hero brother' 04:00 KEY EVENT "Officer Islam was married with two young boys. His wife is pregnant with their third child. He's assigned to the four seven precinct in the Bronx. He was doing the job that we asked him to do. He put himself in harm's way, he made the ultimate sacrifice, shot in cold blood, wearing a uniform that stood for the promise that he made to this city, he died as he lived, a hero," Ms Tisch added at the news conference Monday evening. Officer Islam was shot dead in the back, as he acted as a security guard in the lobby of 345 Park Avenue. He was reportedly rushed to hospital where he underwent surgery which was sadly unsuccessful in saving his life. Police remain on the beat in the city (Image: Peter Gerber) 03:57 Bradley Jolly Police say the gunman in the New York City office tower shooting had a "documented mental health history," but motive is still unknown. He was named in the conference as Shane Tamura, a 27-year-old man from Las Vegas in Nevada. The man killed four people total, including the police officer in the lobby. 03:54 KEY EVENT Police Commissioner Tisch said the suspect was thought to have been Shane Tamura, aged 27. He had a Las Vegas address. Tamura travelled "cross-country" to get to New York - through Colorado on July 26, Nebraska and Iowa on July 27 then Columbia, New Jersey as recently as this afternoon. It is a journey of more than 2,500 miles. The vehicle entered New York shortly after, Police Commissioner Tisch says. 03:51 Bradley Jolly Mayor Eric Adams continued: "No words can describe this active evil... We must fight to protect innocent New Yorkers." He passed the conference onto NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who said: there was an M4 rifle involved and there was a revolver with magazines of ammunition found in the suspect's vehicle. She also confirms the gunman had a driver's license from the state of Nevada. 03:33 KEY EVENT Didarul Islam, the officer killed in the mass shooting, was a 36-year-old man, who had been with the force since early 2022. Eric Adams, New York City Mayor, paid tribute to Mr Islam at a press conference, describing the horror as "despicable". He said his thoughts are with the families of those affected. "This never gets easy," he said. Mr Islam, a father of two, was an immigrant from Bangladesh according to the mayor. Mr Adams identified him as "Officer Islam", and called him a "true blue New Yorker". He says he met the family of the murdered officer, and "I told them he's a hero". Didarul Islam, a police officer, was killed 03:28 KEY EVENT This chilling photograph - issued by authorities in New York - shows a young man, said to be the suspect, stroll calmly the across Park Avenue skyscraper's entry plaza. He's pictured with an assault rifle at his side moments before the carnage happened in the Big Apple. Police have not confirmed the identity of the suspect. It has been reported that the lone shooter is dead. A surveillance camera has captured an image of the suspected gunman 03:13 KEY EVENT A police officer and at least four other people were shot and killed — and several others injured — by a crazed gunman in New York City on Monday night. The assailant - armed with a rifle - stormed a swanky office building in Midtown Manhattan and opening fire at around 6.30pm (local time). He barged into the skyscraper, which houses the National Football League (NFL) offices and those of major financial firms, and unleashed a barrage of shots. One witness on the first floor described hearing what sounded "like an automatic weapon, like a high-capacity weapon" amid the chaos. Authorities had the neighbourhood on lockdown with residents and office workers evacuated - or, in some cases, told to remain inside their buildings. New York mass shooting sees rifle-toting gunman kill five people and himself Police have had large parts of Manhattan on lockdown (Image: Peter Gerber) 02:54 Bradley Jolly Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for New York mayor, has posted on social media about the attack. "I'm heartbroken to learn of the horrific shooting in midtown and I am holding the victims, their families, and the NYPD officer in critical condition in my thoughts," he wrote on X. "Grateful for all of our first responders on the ground." 02:42 KEY EVENT Employees at Blackstone - an investment firm - have barricaded themsrlves in their office. They used sofas to do so, piling up furniture against the office door. This is how the employees in the Blackstone building barricaded themselves inside their offices while the shooter was active. — Spencer Hakimian (@SpencerHakimian) July 29, 2025 02:20 Bradley Jolly A least two civilians were shot. One officer has died in the incident and one of the civilians was listed in critical condition, sources told CBS News. Police have not confirmed that an officer has died. Officers have flooded Manhattan (Image: Peter Gerber) 02:03 Bradley Jolly One social media user wrote on Instagram: "Tonight, a chair at the dinner table is left empty. Tonight, a family grieves a loss that cannot be measured. Tonight, a hero made the ultimate, selfless sacrifice in the line of duty." They paid an emotional tribute to the police officer, thought to have died in the mass shooter horror. 01:36 Bradley Jolly Footage shows police respond to the shooting in Midtown Manhattan. The clip has been shared widely on social media today. "Active shooter in the Blackstone building in Midtown. Stay safe everyone," the post read. Active shooter in the Blackstone building in Midtown. Stay safe everyone — Brent Robinson (@brobinson2002) July 28, 2025 01:33 KEY EVENT The New York Police Department has now confirmed the "lone shooter" who attacked in an office building in Manhattan is dead. The attacker died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to CBS News. Police have not yet confirmed how they died, with the commissioner writing earlier that they had been "neutralised". But people should still continue to avoid the area. The tragedy happened in Blackstone building (Image: Peter Gerber) 01:23 KEY EVENT In a tragic update, New York Police Department says one of its officers shot has died in hospital. "We are deeply saddened to learn that two NYPD officers have been shot, and we mourn the tragic loss of one of them. Our thoughts are with the families, loved ones, and colleagues of the officers affected. We stand in solidarity with the NYPD during this difficult time and honor the bravery and sacrifice of all those who serve to protect our communities," the statement reads. It is unclear if any other officers were shot. NYPD sources confirm that two police officers have been shot, tragically one has died from his injuries. — Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) July 29, 2025 01:19 Bradley Jolly The FBI has dispatched agents to help local police according to the agency's deputy director Dan Bongino. "New York Field Office management personnel and agents are responding to provide support at the active crime scene in Manhattan," Bongino says in an X post. Officers respond to an incident in the Midtown Manhattan (Image: AFP via Getty Images) 01:03 Bradley Jolly Reports coming out of New York City suggest the active shooter is a lone wolf. It is believed police have located him inside an office building and a showdown is ongoing. People across Manhattan must remain vigilant. New York Police Department (NYPD) officers are seen as they respond to an incident in Manhattan (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
The Journal
2 days ago
- The Journal
Online retailer Temu potentially in breach of EU digital marketplace rules
CHINESE ONLINE RETAILER Temu is potentially in breach of EU digital marketplace by the European Commission, according to the preliminary results of an investigation into the platform. Illegal products, such as small toys for infant children and miniature electronics, were found to have been listed on the website . The European Commission today said its investigation believes Temu does not mitigate properly for the sale of the products. It comes as Ireland's European Commissioner Michael McGrath – in charge of consumer protection in Europe – told reporters last month that he has 'serious concerns' over the sale of products from online Chinese retailers, such as Temu. Europe has strict laws over the sale of products online, and it is up to retailers to properly moderate and mitigate the listing of illegal goods on their platforms, or face harsh sanctions from the European Commission. More than 12m small packages of products are imported to Europe every day, with more than 90% of them arriving from China. McGrath singled out the Chinese online retailer Temu last month. He told reporters: 'We have serious concerns about their product safety record and also about the lack of respect, in many accounts, for the EU safety rules.' Advertisement Temu, an online wholesale retailer, is one of the largest digital marketplaces available to citizens in the EU. The firm said today that it 'will continue to co-operate fully with the commission'. The European Commission will continue to complete its full investigation into the potential breaches. If the final findings of its probe confirm that there has been a breach, a deadline will be set for the retailer to pay a fine, which could be valued in the millions. Should a fine be imposed, it will be up to the Irish Digital Services Officer to collect the penalty as Temu has its European headquarters in Dublin. McGrath is set to meet with Chinese authorities in an upcoming trade mission, where he will discuss the issue with officials. He said the EU will be 'robustly implementing' consumer protection legislation. 'I have responsibility for consumer protection. It's a hugely important part of the portfolio, which is not just about protecting consumers and keeping them safe, it's also about the level playing field issue for European businesses,' he said last month. 'We expect [them] to compete. And if they're competing with companies or platforms that don't respect our rules, then it's not a fair fight. That's something we are determined to address,' he added. Products sold in the EU's single market must pass a risk assessment , which evaluates potential risks to consumer health and details mitigation plans when and if breaches are identified. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
