Bernard Madoff's downfall in pictures

Madoff has refused to implicate anybody else but few believe he could have pulled off Wall Street's biggest scam without co-operation from others Photograph: Hiroko Masuike/Getty Images

To the frustration of those who lost money, a painstaking investigation into Madoff's relatives has so far not come to much Photograph: EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images

There is a lingering suspicion among many victims that Madoff has money stashed away somewhere. Pictured here is the limited edition of a Bernie "Made Off With My Money" Madoff action figure Photograph: Rick Gershon/Getty Images

The US Securities and Exchange Commission filed civil charges of securities fraud against four individuals and a Madoff-linked investment advisory firm, Cohmad Securities Photograph: AP

"It strains credulity to believe this man could have perpetrated this fraud single-handedly for so many years," said Jeff Zwerling, a New York lawyer representing Madoff clients Photograph: ANDREW GOMBERT/EPA

An artist's impression of Madoff being led out of court in handcuffs, having pleaded guilty to all 11 charges against him Photograph: CHRISTINE CORNELL/AFP/Getty Images

The subject of greatest popular vitriol, however, is Madoff's wife, Ruth, who still lives in the couple's $7m penthouse on New York's Upper East Side. However, the couple's Palm Beach home (pictured) has already been seized Photograph: Hans Deryk / Reuters/REUTERS

Madoff's wife, Ruth, after visiting her husband in prison Photograph: Yvonne Hemsey/Getty Images

Madoff's luxury yacht, 'Bull', was also impounded Photograph: Sebastien Nogier/REUTERS

Those who lost money through Madoff's 'Ponzi' scheme, such as Ilene Kent, co-founder of Madoff Survivors Group (left), has spoken out on behalf of victims Photograph: STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images

Another victim, Miriam Siegman, also spoke to reporters at a press conference called by members of Madoff Survivors Group Photograph: STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images

Court house security put up barricades as Madoff goes for sentencing on 29 June 2009 Photograph: Spencer Platt/Getty Images

A protester hands out copies of a book "Who Moved My Soap, The CEO's Guide to Surviving Prison" as Madoff appears in court Photograph: Mike Segar/REUTERS