The separation and name changes were all orchestrated by the Madoff lawyers to try to insulate the brothers from the charges. But the brothers (and possibly the wives) knew what was going on and were on their way to being indicted by the IRS for tax fraud and other potential charges very soon. Their assets have been frozen and they are part of the civil recovery actions by the by recovery trustees.
Given the way the company was structured, I don’t see an easy way for the sons not to know.
I personally think Ruth knew as well as Bernie’s two female helpers.
I’m not convinced the wives knew. Maybe, maybe not.