The Palm Beach Post reports that the US$10,000 (S$14,354) copper sculpture turned up on Wednesday near the country club Madoff belonged to.

A note attached read: 'Bernie the Swindler, Lesson: Return stolen property to rightful owners. Signed by - The Educators.'

The statue was reported missing Dec 22, about a week after the Wall Street money manager was arrested on charges he bilked investors out of more than US$50 billion. His clients included major banks, charities and retirees.

Police are investigating the return of the statue, which did not appear to be damaged.

The action mimics activity in the 2004 German film 'The Edukators,' which features revolutionary activists that break into people's mansions - but without stealing anything - to protest against capitalist values. -- AP