'Kung fu' Shaolin temple abbot under investigation for embezzlement and misconduct

The temple confirmed the inquiry on its official WeChat account, noting that a joint investigation is being carried out by several government departments.

China’s most popular Buddhist monastery, the Shaolin temple, confirmed on Sunday that its abbot, Shi Yongxin, is under official investigation over allegations of embezzlement and misuse of temple funds, as well as breaches of Buddhist discipline.In a statement published on the temple's official WeChat account, authorities said Shi Yongxin was suspected of "misappropriation and embezzlement of project funds and temple assets." The notice also accused the abbot of long-term relationships with multiple women and fathering at least one child, actions deemed both criminal and in violation of Buddhist monastic codes.A multi-agency investigation is reportedly underway, with findings expected to be made public "in due course".Shi Yongxin, born Liu Yingcheng, joined the Henan-based Shaolin temple in 1981 and became its abbot in 1999. He has been a controversial figure for years, earning the nickname "CEO monk" for his role in transforming the 1,500-year-old place of worship into a commercial enterprise featuring kung fu shows and branded merchandise. The strategy, while raising the temple’s profile worldwide, has drawn criticism for blending religious practice with business interests.In 2015, Xinhua, China's state-run news agency, noted that Shi had come under fire for his commercial approach to monastic leadership. Allegations in the past also include claims of him fathering several children and misappropriating temple funds, but a provincial inquiry cleared him of wrongdoing in 2016, according to Caixin Global.On Sunday, before the temple's announcement, there was an online unverified notice claiming that Shi had been apprehended while attempting to flee to the United States with numerous mistresses and around 20 children. Authorities have since dismissed that claim as false.The Shaolin temple’s reputation extends beyond China, thanks in part to its depiction in films such as the Jet Li eponymous classic from 1982, The Shaolin Temple.