In the end, Madoff confessed to his crimes of his own volition to federal investigators, and caught the SEC off guard in regards to both the existence and the scope of the fraud.

FORBES: SEC Refuses to Fire Any Staff Involved with Madoff Debacle

The press release had to be forceful, because Paul had continued to comment in the press, of his own volition and in some cases representing himself as if he were still speaking on behalf of the company.

FORBES: The Other Avenger: Ocean Marketing Files Suit Against N-Control

The restaurant owner, named only as Wang, said he had not been forced to take the sign down but had done so of his own volition because it had generated "too much bother" and too many calls from the media.

BBC: China restaurant takes down maritime dispute sign