The government list of unclaimed estates in England and Wales, known as Bona Vacantia, has been taken offline after a BBC investigation into suspected fraud.
On 5 July, the BBC reported on several cases in the south of England where a dead person's details had appeared on Bona Vacantia and someone had then come forward producing a will that named them as the heir.
Bank accounts for dozens of companies connected to the suspected fraudsters have now been suspended.
A spokesperson for the Government Legal Department said: “We are working with the relevant agencies to support ongoing investigations into alleged fraudulent activity. As such we are unable to comment further to avoid prejudicing any potential legal action.”
Kirsty Gray, managing director of probate research and genealogy company Family Wise, said that the decision to take down Bona Vacantia was surprising but “an essential move”.
“There are several cases we are aware of which have been listed and suddenly, a will pops up out of nowhere,” she said. “One particular case we are dealing with names a solicitor, two witnesses and sole legatee who do not actually exist. The potential to defraud is vast with millions of pounds already known to have been claimed under false pretences.”
