China removes Shaolin Temple head over embezzlement, affairs with multiple women

This photo taken on November 8, 2009 shows the abbot of Shaolin Temple, Shi Yongxin, speaking to AFP at the famous temple in Dengfeng county, in China's central Henan province. (Photo by PETER PARKS / AFP)

The head of the Chinese temple known as the birthplace of kung fu will be disrobed for "extremely" bad behaviour, Beijing's top Buddhist authority said Monday, after allegations of embezzlement saw him placed under investigation.

The Shaolin Temple said on Sunday that Abbot Shi Yongxin, known as the "CEO monk" for establishing dozens of companies abroad, was suspected of "embezzling project funds and temple assets".