Madoff's Wife Makes First Prison Visit To Bernie

The Daily Telegraph reports that $65bn fraudster Bernie Madoff received his first prison visitor earlier this week - his wife Ruth, who many would like to see banged up like her old man.

Bernie, now prisoner 61727-054, has been stuck in his 8 x 7 foot cell since pleading guilty to fraud a month or so ago. He is due to be sentenced on June 16th.

In the meantime, CNBC reports that New York State Attorney Andrew Cuomo has brought charges against hedge fund legend Ezra Merkin, claiming that he duped investors by placing some $2.4bn with Madoff without their permission. Cuomo said that 'Merkin profited enormously from Madoff's scheme, reaping huge commissions while investors lost all their money'.

Finally, ABC News reports that billionaire financier Allen Stamford has blasted his critics, suggesting that claims that he ran a Ponzi scheme are 'baloney, baloney, baloney'. In a tearful interview with ABC, Stamford, who has not been charged with any wrongdoing, insisted that there were assets to back up client investments and reconfirmed that he would fight for his survival and integrity.

Stamford also added that 'I've always lived very frugally. I flew around in a private jet, I had a boat, but I've always lived very frugally'.

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