Madoff's wife 'unlikely to face charges'

Ruth Madoff, wife of the swindler Bernard Madoff, is not likely to face criminal charges in connection with her husband's record-breaking fraud, according to reports last night.

Sources close to the investigation told two US newspapers that there was no physical evidence Mrs Madoff participated in or concealed her husband's $65bn, 20-year pyramid scheme. Mrs Madoff said she felt embarrassed and betrayed by her husband.

She has agreed to forfeit all her possessions and investments, save for $2.5m, to compensate victims.