Head of famous Shaolin Temple under investigation on suspicion of embezzling funds

China’s famous Shaolin Temple announced that its abbot is under investigation on suspicion of misappropriation and embezzlement of project funds and temple assets.

Shi Yongxin is alleged to have committed criminal offenses and violated Buddhist precepts by maintaining relationships with multiple women over a long period and fathering at least one child, according to a notice from the temple’s authority on its WeChat account.

The notice said a joint investigation was being carried out by multiple departments and its findings would be announced 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 renowned 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.

Local media reported that Shi Yongxin, whose original name is Liu Yingcheng, had faced accusations in the past, including claims that he fathered several children and embezzled money. Provincial investigation reports exonerated him of all charges in 2016, according to Caixin.

Shi Yongxin entered the Shaolin Temple in 1981 and became its abbot in 1999.