Hedge fund hustler Samuel Isreal III was thought to be dead by suicide after being convicted of conspiracy charges. Although his car was abandoned by a bridge with the words "suicide is painless", Isreal is yet to be found.

Prosecutors say he and two other men persuaded investors to put $450 million into the Stamford, Conn.-based company by announcing nonexistent profits and providing fake audits. Meanwhile, they made millions in commissions on trades that lost money for investors. The fund's collapse prompted calls for stricter oversight.

Isreal was due to report to federal prision by a 2:00p.m. - he was last seen 9a.m. at his girlfriends.