"A federal magistrate in New York ordered Mark "Michael" Brener held without bail after his arrest March 6 related to allegations that he headed the Emperors VIP Club, described by police as a high-priced prostitution ring. The Associated Press reported that $600,000 in cash and an Israeli passport were elements in denying bail to Brener, 62.

The New York Times reported that (Governor) Spitzer, once seen as a strong candidate to be the first Jewish president, is the "Client 9" described in the search warrant that led to the arrests of Brener and four alleged colleagues."

-- Jewish Telegraph Agency

It looks like the rising star of the Empire State won't be horsing around at the Emperor's Club anymore. Maybe the current Emperor didn't like being called a "partner in crime" on his own turf, especially by a self-righteous hypocrite:

"When history tells the story of the subprime lending crisis and recounts its devastating effects on the lives of so many innocent homeowners, the Bush administration will not be judged favorably. The tale is still unfolding, but when the dust settles, it will be judged as a willing accomplice to the lenders who went to any lengths in their quest for profits."

-- Eliot Spitzer, "Predatory Lenders' Partner in Crime", Washington Post, 2008-02-14

UPDATE: Other sources report that this prostitution / money laundry / blackmail ring was being run by the Israeli Mossad, which would explain the Israeli passport.