The story of how Mr Markopolos discovered the world's largest Ponzi scheme is interesting enough, but the real meat of his account concerns the investigations that did not happen.

Since the 1980s, prosecutors alleged, Madoff used new funds from investors to pay redemptions to other investors, apparently the biggest Ponzi Scheme ever.

Widely touted as the biggest Ponzi scheme in history, Bernard "Bernie" Madoff lured wealthy investors with promises of high returns only to siphon away funds to finance his own lavish lifestyle.