Subprime Mortgage Scam was "Blessed" by the Rabbi

Rabbi Schneerson

Prosecutors claim that Eliyahu Ezagui is a thief who took $2.6 million from condominium buyers and more than $10 million from banks, but the Brooklyn developer says he was G-d sent. According to his lawyer, Ezagui received "a blessing" from deceased Rabbi Schneerson before committing his subprime mortgage fraud. "It was a mitzvah to him, a Hebrew word that means a good deed and an obligation," said the defense lawyer in her opening statement.

Ezagui is accused of selling pre-construction condos to 40 families in Crown Heights's Lubavitcher community, but never handing over the deeds, reports the Daily News. Victims say he lulled them into a false sense of security promising he "had the blessing of the grand rabbi," but once building was completed, he took out mortgages and split for Israel. Since he didn't make payments on the houses, many of the families face eviction and investors who fronted money lost out too.

Part of Ezagui's defense is that Rabbi Schneerson—whose grave is visited by thousands of Hasidim even 15 years after his death—approved the project to build affordable housing for the community. His lawyer claims that investors are just trying to recoup the money they lost through the criminal justice system. On CrownHeights.com many voiced their support for the maligned developer. "Eliyahu is a great person who helps people and families. We must show our support by sending in donations," wrote Didan Notzach. But in court at least one victim seemed baffled and hurt by what had transpired. "I thought Ezagui was a good man and I still think he's a good man, but I trusted that whatever I signed was not going to hurt me," said Tova Eilenberg, who bought two apartments on Lefferts Avenue.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Sabrina Jaszi in News on February 3, 2010 3:55 PM

Comments [rss]

Greenpoint60

These folks believe the Holocaust occurred because Zionists and secular Jews rejected the traditional Jewish lifestyle. Not unlike Pat Robertson’s POV about Haiti and 9-11

http://rabbimichaelsamuel.com/2010/01/a-sampling-of-theological-responses-to-the-holocaust/

JenChungsBaby

The rebbe would roll in his grave except it would be instantly detected by the electronic sensors installed there and cause an instant horde of brainwashed idiots to swarm the Cambria Heights cemetery where he's buried. And even he's getting tired of those fools.

The Man Bat

please tell me you're joking about the electronic sensors?

carbomb

do these hordes work or breed and collect public assistance. just curious.

Greenpoint60

They are experts at scammimg gov benifits.

NannyState

At least when he goes to prison he'll get to play "Lube a Vitcher".

hunter.blatherer

Haha, you think he's going to prison! That's cute. And I always thought you were a cynic.

NannyState

Didn't they quit sending them off to camp years ago?

hunter.blatherer

Israel ('Merka's greatest ally) has no extradition treaty with us.

Greenpoint60

The world has changed they can’t control the blog on the internet. People feel free to express their POV

Snoopy

The world has changed they can’t control the blog on the internet. Who are "they?"

People feel free to express their POV

And your view is?

Greenpoint60

Das ich kann nicht sagen heir

Tamar Weinberg

Way to drag a dead Rabbi into this.

Greenpoint60

Part of Ezagui's defense is that Rabbi Schneerson—whose grave is visited by thousands of Hasidim even 15 years after his death—approved the project

Try some Polish ham, it's the best. It will cheer you up and keep that smile on your face.

spiritross

They are the new mafia.

Ripping off carpetbagging white kids all over brooklyn.

Note to all

$2000/month rent for a 2-bed room in fake williamsburg actually Bushwick is an $800 markup.

Nyctini11

Disgusting, what a scum bag, but the people standing behind this POS, even WORSE. I do believe, lying & stealing is the opposite of anything they've learned or believe in, in fact isn't it in the 10 commandments? i hope israel doesn't protect him.

youngpro

israel has already protected him by harboring him. good luck trying to get the israelis to extradite him back here.

Greenpoint60

They want to drag the US into war with Iran, Good Morning Vietnam!

nicemarmot

I love it when scammers use religion to get people to give them money. I really do. That's the one scam you know will never, ever work on someone with half a brain.