The famous Shaolin Temple in China, involved in an investigation for hijacking funds / “Chief Monk”, accused and has children with more women

The leader of the famous Shaolin Temple in China, considered the cradle of Chinese martial arts, is investigated for hijacking funds and immoral conduct, AFP reports.

The 1,500-year-old Shaolin Temple, located in a mountain range of Henan province of China, attracts thousands of disciples every year, some from all over the world.

Shi Yongxin, nicknamed the “chief monk”, is suspected of “hijacking funds for the projects and assets of the Temple”, the Shaolin Temple announced in a statement published on his official Wechat account.

He is accused of “seriously violated the Buddhist precepts” and maintained “inappropriate relationships with several women, with whom they would have illegitimate children,” the temple said, which said that “more departments” lead a common investigation.

“Shi Yongxin's actions are extremely serious, seriously affecting the reputation of the Buddhist community and the image of the monks,” the Buddhist Association of China also said.

The news that Shi is investigated was the most read topic on Weibo Monday morning, BBC notes.

Former monks have already accused Shi Yongxin of leading a luxurious life, saying that he owns a fleet of luxury cars, that he has diverted money from a company managed by the Temple and that he has children with different women.

Shi, 59, is the abbot of the Shaolin Temple in 1999. He has earned his nickname “CEO” because he has transformed the institution into a global brand. Under his leadership, the temple set up dozens of branches abroad, despite the numerous criticisms for the approach considered too commercial.

Elected vice -president of the Buddhist Association of China in 2002, he was also a representative in the National People's Assembly, the supreme legislative body of the country.