SILVER SPRING, Md., Nov. 19, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Investigation Discovery, America's leading investigation network, today announced the premiere of a new series of recurring specials entitled ID INVESTIGATES, which will go behind the headlines to shine a new light on contemporary and newsworthy stories. One year after the Bernard Madoff financial scandal was first revealed ID INVESTIGATES: THE MADOFF MYSTERY will present an eye-opening investigation of Madoff's money trail and the collateral damage it has caused countless families. Respected broadcast journalist and former CBS anchor Thalia Assuras serves as host and narrator for this inaugural special. ID INVESTIGATES: THE MADOFF MYSTERY, produced in partnership with the BBC, premieres on Tuesday, December 8 from 9-10 PM ET on Investigation Discovery.
"Launching a high-quality, in-depth documentary strand exemplifies Investigation Discovery's commitment to investigating a fascinating spectrum of stories focused on the pursuit of justice and dedicated to providing context and depth to the stories dominating the headlines," said Henry Schleiff, president and general manager of Investigation Discovery. "ID INVESTIGATES: THE MADOFF MYSTERY examines more than the greed and deception of Madoff's fraud by exploring the dire human consequences of Madoff's crimes, beyond the financial ruin."
From his headquarters in New York, arch-fraudster Bernard Madoff masterminded the largest financial scam in history. The scheme netted billions of dollars and ensnared thousands from Palm Beach billionaires and Hollywood movie stars to children's charities and senior citizens across the world. Madoff was sentenced to 150 years in prison, where he will languish until the end of his days. But for his victims there's no respite; many of them were left penniless, their lives decimated by Madoff's house of cards. ID INVESTIGATES: THE MADOFF MYSTERY explores the riches to rags stories of everyday people like Ian Thiermann, a 90-year-old retiree forced to work at a local grocery store to make ends meet; and Laurel and Paul Allen, who just a week prior to the collapse were personally reassured by Madoff to not withdraw funds. And, in a heartbreaking case, Willard Foxton recounts how his family paid the ultimate price for Madoff's greed -- Foxton's father committed suicide after losing his life savings in Madoff's con. This special exposes how easy it was for Madoff to lull intelligent, financially savvy investors into the scam by displaying plausible profits and never promising clients too much. These stories humanize the perception of white-collar crime, taking viewers beyond the balance sheets and investment fraud to the family tragedies caused by insatiable greed.
ID INVESTIGATES: THE MADOFF MYSTERY is produced by the BBC in association with Investigation Discovery. For the BBC, Roger Corke is producer and director. For Investigation Discovery, Ron Simon is producer; Sara Kozak, vice president of production, serves as executive producer; and Henry Schleiff is president and general manager.
About Investigation Discovery
Investigation Discovery (ID), America's leading investigation network, is the source for fact-based investigative content about culture, history and the human condition. Providing the highest quality investigative programming focused on fascinating stories of human nature from the past to the present, Investigation Discovery's in-depth documentaries and series challenge viewers on important issues shaping our culture and defining our world. As the premier authority in real investigations, ID is expanding partnerships with established news organizations and production companies to bring the strongest analytic, factual investigative and current affairs programming to over 54 million U.S. households. For more information, please visit www.investigationdiscovery.com
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