Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Madoff Victims May Be Able to Sue Middlemen

Feeder funds could be headed to court

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 16, 2008 11:45 AM CST

(Newser) – Bernie Madoff victims searching for avenues to recover their money will find their legal options depend on whether they invested directly with Madoff, Time reports, or though middlemen. Those who worked directly with Madoff will have up to $500,000 covered by the federal Securities Investor Protection Corporation. But they’ll have fewer people to potentially sue than the many who invested through feeder funds or fund-of-funds, who aren't eligible for SIPC protection.



“Some investment advisers did their due diligence, and told their clients not to invest with Madoff,” says one lawyer vetting Madoff suits. “Others didn’t. I think there is a liability there.” Especially dubious are the feeder funds that invested entirely in Madoff, apparently without checking his finances. But getting money from them will be difficult; a similar lawsuit spinning from the Bayou Management fraud was dismissed last year. The judge ruled that the other funds were simply duped.

A man walks past the entrance of BBVA bank headquarters in Madrid. BBVA, Spain's second-largest bank, said its clients stand to lose roughly $40.5 million thanks to Madoff-related investments.
A man walks past the entrance of BBVA bank headquarters in Madrid. BBVA, Spain's second-largest bank, said its clients stand to lose roughly $40.5 million thanks to Madoff-related investments.   (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)
Investors inquiring about their money and others gather in the lobby of the building where Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC, have their offices, Friday, Dec. 12, 2008, in New York.
Investors inquiring about their money and others gather in the lobby of the building where Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC, have their offices, Friday, Dec. 12, 2008, in New York.   (AP Photo/Diane Bondareff)
Bernard L. Madoff, chairman of Madoff Investment Securities is seen on his Manhattan trading floor in this photo taken Dec. 30, 1999 in New York.
Bernard L. Madoff, chairman of Madoff Investment Securities is seen on his Manhattan trading floor in this photo taken Dec. 30, 1999 in New York.   (AP Photo/The New York Times, Ruby Washington)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
Zebraone
Dec 17, 2008 6:52 AM CST
Greedy bunch of beggars!~~~ Squeze a beet and get some blood!

More Newser Stories

Trustee Sues Ruth Madoff for $44M

Madoff Clients to Get $100M Back Soon

Madoff Profiteers Scramble From Threat of Clawbacks

Middlemen Lose Billions in Madoff Fraud

Madoff Fraud Will Hit Hedge Funds Hard


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne