Shaolin temple abbot under investigation

ZHENGZHOU, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Shi Yongxin, abbot of the Shaolin Temple in central China's Henan Province, is under a joint investigation by several departments, the temple management office announced in a statement Sunday.

Shi is suspected of criminal offences, embezzling and misappropriating project funds and temple assets. He is also accused of serious violations of Buddhist precepts, maintaining long-term inappropriate relationships with multiple women and having at least one illegitimate child.

Further updates will be released to the public in a timely manner, according to the statement.