Associated Press Madoff liquidation trustee receives $28M for costs By STEPHEN BERNARD , 12.30.08, 10:18 AM EST U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Burton Lifland on Tuesday approved the transfer of $28.1 million to cover expenses tied to the liquidation of Bernard Madoff's investment firm. Madoff is accused of running an elaborate Ponzi scheme that duped investors ranging from individuals to charities to large banks out of potentially $50 billion. Irving Picard, the trustee presiding over the liquidation of Madoff's investment firm, said he needed the $28.1 million to cover employee salaries and other costs, according to court documents. Bank of New York Mellon (nyse: BK - news - people ) Corp. previously agreed to transfer the funds, but the bankruptcy judge first had to approve the transfer. BNY Mellon already transferred about $883,000 to cover costs tied to the liquidation. Picard will oversee the liquidation as the Securities Investor Protection Corp. attempts to help investors recoup their money. SIPC was created by Congress in 1970 to protect investors when a brokerage firm fails and cash and securities are missing from accounts. Funds can be used to satisfy the remaining claims of each customer up to a maximum of $500,000. The figure includes a maximum of up to $100,000 on claims for cash. Real-Time Quotes 12/30/2008 4:01PM ET BK$27.485.90%Get Quote BATS Real-Time Market Data by XigniteOn Monday, a judge presiding over civil claims against Madoff said he may be willing to consider extending relief to those who invested in Madoff's business through third parties. To consider allowing investors who invested through third parties to file claims with SIPC, U.S. District Judge Louis L. Stanton said he needs a formal application and briefing from SIPC, the Securities and Exchange Commission, a trustee for Madoff's business and representatives of investors. Madoff, 70, a former Nasdaq stock market chairman, has become one of the most vilified people in America since news broke Dec. 11 that he allegedly had been running a giant Ponzi scheme, paying returns to certain investors out of the principal received from others. Comment On This Story So far, investors have said that they have lost more than $30 billion, according to an Associated Press calculation. Related Stories Inside The Madoff Mysteries Investment In GMAC Boosts Stocks Bonus Backlash Brewing March Of The Pink Slips November 2008 Layoffs Related Videos 2009 Tech Outlook Street Rallies Toward 2009 Street Strides Higher Street Sees Green GMAC Cheers Markets StoriesVideos Reports indicate Madoff was running the alleged scam for decades. Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed