The notorious fighting and corruption charges that have for years swirled around the Crown Heights Beis Din and the community's organization have taken on new significance with the new elections for beis din members. In the middle of this imbroglio is Rabbi Moshe Rubashkin (please see extensive sidebar links on the left side of this page), the convicted felon who was elected head of the Community Council upon his release from the Federal Penal System. And, not surprisingly, corruption allegations are now being made against Rubashkin.
Some will lament the situation and allege the behavior of these individuals is not in keeping with what the Rebbe would have wanted, and that may very well be true. But most of these people rose to power under the Rebbe's tutelage, and their behavior was not much different then. In particular, the Rubashkin family – while certainly generous to a fault – has been involved in questionable business practices for many years. (Again, please see the sidebar links on the left side of this page.) And, of course, let us not forget Shneur Zalmen "Jimmy" Gourarie and family, also convicted felons who held positions of prominence during the time of the Rebbe.
The point is, I think, as follows: The Rebbe, for whatever reasons, chose to remain close to convicted felons. He did not distance himself or his organizations from them. Whether intended or not, the example the Rebbe set has fostered more corruption.
[Hat tip: Steven I. Weiss.]