Shi Yongxin, the abbot of the world-renowned Shaolin Temple, is being investigated by multiple agencies for embezzlement, "improper relationships with multiple women" and "fathering illegitimate children", the temple said on Sunday.
The 1,500-year-old Shaolin Temple, located in a mountain range in central China’s Henan province, attracts thousands of disciples every year – some from across the world.
Mr Shi, who has been Shaolin Temple’s abbot since 1999, has earned the nickname "CEO monk" for transforming the institution into a global brand.
He has been stripped of his ordination certificate amid the probe, China’s Buddhist association said on Monday. The ordination certificate is proof of someone’s acceptance into the monastic community.
"Shi Yongxin’s actions are extremely bad, seriously damaging the reputation of the Buddhist community and the image of monks," the Buddhist Association of China said in its statement.
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