The Buddhist Association of China announced on Monday that it has stripped the ordination certificate of Shi Yongxin, the abbot of the world-renowned Shaolin Temple, after investigations were initiated by multiple authorities against him for alleged embezzlement, "improper relationships with multiple women" and "fathering at least one illegitimate child".

The ordination certificate is proof of someone's acceptance into the monastic community.

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In a statement, the association said, "Shi's actions are extremely bad, seriously damaging the reputation of the Buddhist community and the image of monks."

On Sunday evening, the Shaolin Temple released a statement on its official website saying Shi, who is also the deputy head of the Association, is suspected of criminal offenses, including embezzling and misappropriating project funds and temple assets, as well as maintaining improper relationships with multiple women over a long period and fathering at least one child.

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Born in 1965, Shi became a monk in 1981 and has served as the 30th abbot of the 1,500-year-old temple located in a mountain range in Central China's Henan province since 1999. Being a world-famous Buddhist sanctuary and the birthplace of kung fu, the temple attracts thousands of disciples every year from across the world.