Fund operator Merkin charged with civil fraud in Madoff scheme

06 April 2009 @ 01:56 pm EDT

New York's attorney general brought civil fraud charges against hedge fund operator Ezra Merkin on Monday, saying he duped investors by secretly steering $2.4 billion in client money into Bernard Madoff's Ponzi fraud.


Israeli Prime Minister Sharon shakes hands with Ezra Merkin during ceremony in Jerusalem
Hedge fund operator Ezra Merkin in a file photo.
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New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo did not accuse Merkin of knowing about Madoff's massive Ponzi fraud, but said in his lawsuit that Merkin ignored irregularities and other glaring red flags related to Madoff's investments.

A lawyer for Merkin could not immediately be reached for comment.

The complaint, filed in New York State Supreme Court, said investors, including several prominent charities and nonprofits, entrusted their investments to Merkin. The hedge fund manager then steered client money to Madoff without their permission, in exchange for $470 million in fees, Cuomo contends.

"Merkin profited enormously from Madoff's scheme, reaping huge commissions while investors lost all their money," Cuomo said.

(Reporting by Martha Graybow; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn)

Copyright 2009 Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved.

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