BEIJING, Nov 17: The former head of the world-famous Shaolin Temple in central China has been arrested on suspicion of embezzlement and bribery, public prosecutors said on Sunday.
The arrest was announced by the public prosecutor’s office in the central Chinese province of Hunan. No additional details are yet known.
Shi Yongxin, 60, was replaced as abbot or head of the temple two days after authorities announced in July that he was under investigation for allegedly violating Buddhist rules by maintaining relationships with several women over a long period of time and fathering at least one child.
He had led the temple for more than 25 years.
Chinese state media referred to him as the “CEO monk” because he turned the Shaolin Temple into a global brand with commercial activities such as kung fu shows and fan merchandise.
Millions of visitors flock to the monastery every year. However, there had also been criticism of commercialisation at the monastery.
Founded in 495, the Shaolin Temple in the central Chinese province of Henan is not only a religious site, but also world-famous for its kung fu tradition. Shi joined the temple in 1981 and was appointed abbot of the monastery in 1999.
–BERNAMA-dpa