First published 2010
Harry Markopolos discovers something wrong with Bernie Madoff's investment returns. The numbers don't add up. Madoff claims consistent profits that seem mathematically impossible. Markopolos realizes he's looking at the largest Ponzi scheme in financial history. He takes his evidence to the Securities and Exchange Commission. They ignore his warnings. He submits detailed reports proving the fraud. The SEC dismisses him repeatedly. For years, Markopolos watches Madoff steal billions from investors while regulators refuse to investigate. The financial detective assembles a team to gather more proof. They document how Madoff manipulates returns and fabricates trades. Still the government won't act. Markopolos faces the crushing weight of knowing thousands of people will lose their life savings while he remains powerless to stop it. This is the story of one man's battle against institutional failure and willful blindness.
Genres: business, crime, non-fiction, finance
Vibes: suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: institutional-corruption, whistleblower
354 pages · Hardcover · WILEY