Ruth Madoff withdrew $10m before arrest

Questions about how much Ruth Madoff knew of her husband's fraudulent billion-dollar pyramid scheme investments have intensified with the news that she withdrew $10 million on December 10, 2008, the day before Bernie Madoff (pictured) turned himself in to authorities and confessed his financial empire was all one "big lie".

This withdrawal followed a $5.5 million withdrawal on November 25. Both were from Cohmad Securities, which is co-owned by Madoff, according to information released on Wednesday by the Massachusetts Secretary of State. As reported here, Madoff himself attempted to protect some of his assets by mailing $1m of jewellery to his sons, Mark and Andrew, who subsequently let this be known to the New York prosecutors dealing with the case.

Meanwhile, the trial of Madoff, alleged mastermind behind the greatest white collar crime ever, was again delayed as US federal prosecutors asked for and received another 30-day extension. The next preliminary hearing date is now set for March 13.

The delay suggests that prosecutors and Madoff’s lawyers are working towards a plea bargaining deal. Meanwhile, Madoff remains under house arrest in his Manhattan apartment. ·