The powerful abbot of China's iconic Shaolin Temple, made famous by Kung Fu movies of Jet Li, Jackie Chan and others, has been stripped of his monastic title and placed under criminal investigation for embezzlement, "improper relationships with multiple women" and "fathering illegitimate children".

Shi Yongxin was often referred to as "CEO monk" for making Shaolin Kung Fu globally famous, and the news of the investigation is being received with shock by the Chinese.

Beneath the glossy image of Kung Fu shows and global business dealings, Shi's leadership has been clouded by longstanding misconduct allegations. In 2015, a whistleblower claimed he kept mistresses and owned expensive cars. While a provincial investigation cleared him of any wrongdoing at that time, the accusations continued to linger.