Several probate research firms have urged the government to tighten up security on unclaimed estates before considering republication of the Bona Vacantia list. The list was withdrawn from public view on 7 July 2025, after a BBC investigation suggested it was being exploited by organised criminals to obtain grants of representation over estates containing unoccupied property fraudulently. ‘Heir hunter’ firms indicate that the computerisation of the probate process has made such fraud easier, enabling perpetrators to pose as the deceased’s friends and present forged wills.
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