As investors in bernie madoff 's funds found out to their cost , frauds are more prone to exposure in a weak economy-when it becomes clear who has been swimming naked .
Mr kotz said information that led to a civil penalty from " any violator " of federal securities laws should trigger a bounty , and that would help regulators to uncover future frauds .
The 150-year sentence handed down to bernard madoff closes only one chapter in the story behind one of the biggest , most shocking investment frauds in history .
Prosecutors said in court filings that mr stanford was " a ruthless predator responsible for one of the most egregious frauds in history and he should be sentenced to the statutory maximum " .