The photo shows Shi Yongxin, the abbot of the Shaolin Temple poses a group photo with Shi Pu, the professor of Henan University of Economics and Law at Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng, central China's Henan province on August 2, 2015. [Photo: Beijing Youth Daily]

The abbot of the Shaolin Temple has canceled an appearance at a Buddhist event in Thailand this weekend amid an investigation into a series of allegations against him.

The 50-year-old Shi Yongxin has sent a note to organizers of a Buddhist conference currently taking place in Thailand, saying he had to skip the start of the 6-day event to deal with "unexpected official duties".

It's being reported Shi Yongxin is staying at the temple because of an investigation by the religious affairs bureau in Henan.

A former Shaolin monk has alleged Shi Yongxin has used fake ID, kept lovers, had child and pocketed temple assets.

It's also being claimed Shi Yongxin had once been kicked out of Shaolin back in the 1980's after plundering cultural relics and organizing a mafia-type gang.

Police have launched an official investigation.

Shi Yongxin, beyond being the abbot of the Shaolin Temple, is also a deputy to the National People's Congress, China's top legislature.