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Only Half of Madoff's Clients Lost Money

The rest withdrew more than they invested, prosecutors say

By the Associated Press

Posted Sep 23, 2009 11:41 AM CDT
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(AP) – Federal prosecutors said yesterday that a review of most accounts held by Bernard Madoff's customers when he was arrested shows that about half of the customers had not lost money because they withdrew more than they originally invested. That doesn't, however, take into account the loss of any money they thought they had made on that investment.

The government said a search of financial records show that investors suffered net losses exceeding $13 billion. Most of Madoff's 4,902 active customers have filed claims for restitution, but nearly 50% of those customers had had no net loss because they withdrew more funds than they contributed. Prosecutors told a judge in court papers that there was no need to order restitution because all of Madoff's assets will be distributed to investors through forfeiture requirements.

Bernard Madoff's accountant David Friehling, center, is escorted by federal marshals from Manhattan federal court, Friday, July 17, 2009, in New York.
Bernard Madoff's accountant David Friehling, center, is escorted by federal marshals from Manhattan federal court, Friday, July 17, 2009, in New York.   (AP Photo/ Louis Lanzano)
In this March 10, 2009 file photo, Bernard Madoff exits Manhattan federal court in New York.
In this March 10, 2009 file photo, Bernard Madoff exits Manhattan federal court in New York.   (AP Photo/Louis Lanzano, file)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
reasonator
Sep 23, 2009 9:09 AM CDT
@shon: It WAS a ponzi scheme. That's the main point of the story. Where have you been? :) Second biggest ponzi scheme in history (next to Social Security).
stacysaw
Sep 23, 2009 5:33 AM CDT
bernie madoff's accountant. there's a helluva job.
youngblood
Sep 23, 2009 4:45 AM CDT
The accountant needs to go to jail too!

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Ponzi scheme • securities fraud • Bernard Madoff • victim • trustee

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