Bernie Madoff

1938 – 2021

Bernard Madoff was an American financier who orchestrated the largest Ponzi scheme in history, defrauding investors of approximately $65 billion through his asset management business. While leveraging his former position as chairman of the Nasdaq stock exchange to cultivate trust, he operated a fraudulent investment scheme that destroyed the life savings of thousands of individuals, charities, and institutions. Convicted of massive financial fraud, he was sentenced to 150 years in prison, while the vast majority of his victims never recovered their losses.

Last checked: May 10, 2026, 1:06 PM