Recently, the Bona Vacantia list, a publicly accessible register of unclaimed estates in England and Wales, has become exploited for criminal purposes leading to its temporary removal from public access.
What is the Bona Vacantia List?
When someone dies intestate (without leaving a valid Will), and no family members can be found, their estate becomes ‘Bona Vacantia’ – a Latin term meaning ‘vacant goods’ or ‘goods without an owner’. In such cases, the estate passes to the Crown and details are published on the Bona Vacantia list in the hope that relatives will come forward to claim what they’re legally entitled to.
The list is meant to help genealogists, probate researchers (commonly known as ‘heir hunters’) and potential beneficiaries trace unclaimed assets, but it has also become a goldmine for fraudsters.
How criminals exploited the list:
Fraudsters systematically search the Bona Vacantia list for estates that appear to be at risk of being left unclaimed. Using fake Wills and false identities, they fraudulently claim estates – some worth millions of pounds.
In some cases, criminals create entirely fictitious family trees, complete with counterfeit birth, marriage, and death certificates to support their fabricated claims. These operations have become increasingly sophisticated, raising red flags with the government and legal practices throughout the UK.
The BBC Podcast ‘Shadow World: The Grave Robbers’ hosted by award-winning journalist Sue Mitchell, investigates a Hungarian gang carrying out the shocking inheritance scam. It brings to light stories of families who have been directly affected by the vacant goods scandal and has uncovered links to larger criminal networks including cannabis farms, money laundering, and the sale of illegal UK work visas.
Temporary removal of the list:
The government has made the decision to remove the Bona Vacantia list from public access to prevent further fraudulent claims, protect the estates of the deceased, and safeguard genuine beneficiaries. There is currently no timescale for the republication of the list.
Why making a Will is essential
Under the laws of England and Wales, if you die without a Will, your estate is distributed to your relatives based on a hierarchy, regardless of your personal wishes and relationships. For example, the law does not account for unmarried partners, stepchildren or family friends. If no qualifying relatives can be found, your whole estate passes to the Crown.
The ongoing Bona Vacantia scandal together with the vulnerability posed by intestacy should be a reminder of the importance of making a valid Will to ensure your wishes are followed, your loved ones are protected, and your estate doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.
A Will isn’t just for the wealthy. It’s for anyone who wants peace of mind and control over what happens next. If you wish to discuss making a Will, please get in touch with our Private Client team who will be happy to assist on 01670 351 251 or hello@carrandcosolicitors.com.