China’s famed Shaolin Temple said its celebrity abbot, Shi Yongxin, was under investigation over misuse of funds and “improper relations” with women.

Shi Yongxin is suspected of criminal offences, embezzling project funds and temple assets, statement released on temple website says.

Temple accuses Shi Yongxin of embezzling project funds and temple assets, seriously violating Buddhist precepts and of sexual misconduct.