Federal Prosecutors Move to Confiscate Bernie Madoff's Possessions, Evict Ruth Madoff From Home
By Thomas Zambito and Corky Siemaszko
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITERS
Now that swindler Bernie Madoff is in jail, prosecutors moved Monday to oust his wife, Ruth, from the couple's Manhattan apartment - and seize everything they own.
Prosecutors served notice they want the couple's $17 million in cash, $45 million in bonds and other homes in Montauk, L.I.; Palm Beach, Fla. and on the French Riviera.
They also want the yachts, the fancy cars, the silverware - even the $39,000 Steinway piano.
The proceeds will go to pay off a small fraction of the billions owed to thousands of Madoff victims worldwide.
Until now, the feds had to keep their mitts off Madoff's properties because they were part of his $10 million bail package.
That all changed last week when Madoff pleaded guilty to engineering a $65 billion Ponzi scheme and Manhattan Federal Judge Denny Chin revoked his bail.
Madoff, 70, is now imprisoned at the Metropolitan Correctional Center.
He is scheduled to be sentenced June 16, but his lawyer is trying to get him back into house arrest.
Ruth Madoff has not been charged with a crime, but she and the couple's two sons, Andrew and Mark, and Madoff's brother, Peter, remain under federal investigation.
Prosecutors are convinced Madoff couldn't have pulled off his two decade-long scheme - complete with bogus financial statements and fictional cash flow claims - without help.
Ruth Madoff has signalled that she won't part with a penny without a fight.
In court papers, prosecutors said she claims that some $62 million held in two accounts has nothing to do with her husband's scam. She insists the $7 million Manhattan apartment on E. 64th St. is hers, too.
Reader Comments
Ruth Madoff and Bernie Madoff
wow, all this over "Money" its amazing how it changes the personality and behavior of people.
anyway, I understand they are "jewish" how about lets "forgiving them"??? who in their right mind would do this kind of thing, no rational human being would, money has clouded and totally distorted all their values in life.
funny as it may seem, Bernie is probably at "peace" in jail right now.
I forgive you Bernie . let the healing begin
who is with me?????
Shame on You Ruth.!!!!!
How dare her say:she's not parting with a penny without a fight. Thats not her money. She should go to jail along with her two sons. I can't believe I know her. I used to do deal with her like five years ago.She came off so normal and down to earth. What a surprise the fact that she's a billionaire. A dirty billionaire.
scot is joking
Your post had to be a joke so I'm not going to assault you on that stupid post. Bernie has to be rotten to the core to do this to people on such a massive, worldwide scale. Wow. He flat out stole everyone's money. The entire family is guilty. The two little rich boys are going to jail too. Mom should cut her deal now if she is smart. They all deserve to rott in jail and then in hell.
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