China's Shaolin Temple said its abbot, Shi Yongxin, is under investigation for misappropriation and embezzlement of funds.

Shi Yinle, previously of White Horse Temple, replaces Shi Yongxin after allegations of misconduct and disciplinary violations prompt investigation.

Swift move to erase institutional footprint of ‘CEO monk’ follows revelation of criminal charges for offences including embezzling funds and temple assets.

The temple also accused Shi Yongxin of maintaining improper relationships with multiple women for a long time and having illegitimate children.

Chinese social media are discussing the corruption and sex scandal investigation against Abbot Shi, the man who turned the temple known for kung fu into a business empire. Similar accusations had surf

Shi Yinle has been appointed the new abbot of the world-renowned Shaolin Temple in central China's Henan province, two days after former abbot Shi Yongxin was placed under investigation for alleged embezzlement and misconduct, the temple said on Tuesday.

The powerful abbot of China’s iconic Shaolin Temple and a self-styled “CEO monk” has been stripped of his monastic title and placed under criminal investigation after explosive accusations of financial misconduct and secret affairs surfaced.