jews being reputed for tricky dealings in finance has been a constant subject of discussion for over 1000 years. in many of the kingdoms and empires of europe, they were excluded from common society, lived in enclaves where they were allowed to do their daily business, and mainly known for their business as money lenders.

probably shouldn't be surprising considering the account in the bible of him whipping jew money lenders. although it should also be pointed out that the priests and the roman governers were all in on it.