Head monk, 59, of famous Chinese Shaolin Temple in embezzlement probe, allegedly fathered children with multiple women

The abbot of China's world-renowned Buddhist Shaolin Temple is under investigation on suspicion of embezzling temple funds and assets, the temple announced on Jul. 27.

Shi Yongxin, 59, is currently undergoing a joint investigation by multiple departments, according to the statement released by the temple via WeChat, AP News reported.

He is also suspected of violating fundamental Buddhist precepts by engaging in improper relationships with multiple women and fathering an unspecified number of illegitimate children.

A claim that he fathered up to 174 children was making the rounds online, but has been dismissed as untrue.

Undermining reputation of Buddhist community

Shi, whose original name was Liu YingCheng, was stripped of his ordination certificate on Jul. 28 by China's Buddhist Association.

The association accused him of "seriously undermining the reputation of the Buddhist community and the image of monks", The Guardian reported.

News of Shi's accusations was trending on Weibo on Sunday.

According to The Standard, a notice that was posted online claimed that Shi was caught at the airport in Shanghai attempting to flee to the U.S. on Jul. 26 with seven mistresses, 21 children and six temple staff.

The post also claimed that Shi had 51 mistresses and up to 174 illegitimate children, and was accused of embezzling US$41.3 billion (S$53.1 billion) from various Shaolin monasteries.

Chinese authorities have since dismissed the notice as fake, but said they are carrying out "relevant work".

Previous accusations

Shi was appointed head of the Shaolin Temple, situated among the Songshan Mountains in the Henan province, in 1999.

The temple has since gained renown for being referenced in both Asian and Western martial arts films and became a Unesco World Heritage site in 2010.

Shi is nicknamed "CEO monk" for commercialising the temple's heritage, a move many criticised as "[betraying] the original spirit and traditions of the temple" by prioritising profits over religious practice.

The South China Morning Post noted that in 2006, he was condemned for accepting a luxury car from the Chinese government in recognition of his contributions towards tourism.

He also faced criticism in 2015 for planning to build a US$297 million (S$382 million) integrated temple-hotel complex in Australia.

In the same year, Shi was accused by a former disciple of fathering a number of illegitimate children and for embezzling funds.

He was investigated by religious authorities, but all charges were dropped due to insufficient evidence.

New abbot appointed

Following recent accusations, the Shaolin Temple removed Shi from his post as abbot and deregistered five of eight companies linked to him, South China Morning Post reported.

He was replaced on Jul. 29 by the abbot of White Horse Temple, Shi Yinle, Shaolin Temple announced in a statement.

"In accordance with the regulations on the appointment of abbots of Chinese Buddhist Temples, after democratic evaluation and approval by the Shaolin Temple and following the relevant procedures, Venerable Yinle was invited to be the abbot of Shaolin Temple," the statement said.

Top images via shihengyi.online/Instagram & Shaolin Temple Henan