How Did Fake-Will Fraudsters Steal Millions from the Deceased?

# The Dark Side of Probate: How Criminals Exploit the System to Steal Inheritances In late 2023, sisters Lisa and Nicole found themselves in a whirlwind of emotions after receiving news that they had inherited a substantial estate from their late Aunt Christine. However, this life-changing moment quickly turned into a nightmare as an unknown man appeared, brandishing a will that named him the sole heir. This shocking incident has shed light on a troubling trend of will fraud that is plaguing the probate system in the UK, revealing vulnerabilities that criminals are exploiting to steal millions from the deceased’s estates. ## The Inheritance That Wasn't Lisa and Nicole were understandably shaken when they learned of their inheritance, which included a house in Wimbledon worth nearly £1 million. Their aunt had died without leaving a will, making them her closest living relatives. Their journey began with Anglia Research Services, an "heir-finder" company that specializes in identifying rightful heirs using the official government register of unclaimed estates known as Bona Vacantia. While heir-finders typically play a legitimate role in connecting families with their inherited assets, the case of Lisa and Nicole took a dark turn when a man named Tamas Szvercsok emerged with a will claiming to be Christine's "dear friend." This will named him not only as the sole beneficiary but also as the executor, responsible for carrying out the estate's distribution. ### Alarm Bells Ring At first, the probate service did not dismiss Mr. Szvercsok’s claims. However, several inconsistencies raised eyebrows. The address listed for Christine was misspelled, and the address given for Mr. Szvercsok was a block of flats that did not exist when the will was purportedly written in 2016. Despite these red flags, authorities refused to investigate further, leaving Lisa and Nicole in a precarious situation. The sisters were told they would need to pursue a civil action to contest the will, a costly endeavor that they could not afford. Lisa lamented the situation, expressing that receiving the news of their inheritance had only brought "misery and heartache." ## The Vulnerability of the Probate System The case of Lisa and Nicole is not an isolated incident. It appears to be part of a larger pattern of fraudulent activities exploiting the weaknesses of the UK probate system. The Bona Vacantia register, while designed to help identify heirs, has also become a target for criminals. By simply selecting a name from this list, fraudsters can create a fake will and apply for probate before any legitimate heirs are identified. ### The Rise of Online Applications Since 2017, the process of applying for a grant of probate has been digitized, allowing for online submissions. While this has improved efficiency, it has also made it easier for fraudsters to bypass traditional scrutiny. Critics argue that the system lacks the necessary checks to identify suspicious applications, creating a fertile ground for criminal activities. ### The Tax Implications In addition to the theft of inheritances, these fraudulent activities can lead to serious tax fraud. Estates exceeding £325,000 are subject to a 40% inheritance tax. The person granted probate is responsible for ensuring that this tax is paid, but the online application process relies heavily on trust. Fraudsters can easily manipulate the system by undervaluing estates to avoid tax liabilities. ## More Troubling Cases Emerge The case of Lisa and Nicole is just one of many that highlight the vulnerabilities in the probate system. Take the estate of Charles Haxton, for example. After his death, his name appeared on Bona Vacantia. Like Lisa and Nicole, his relatives were initially informed of potential inheritance, only to have a will emerge that left everything to a man named Roland Silye, also of Hungarian origin. ### The Red Flags Mr. Silye's claim raised eyebrows when he valued the estate just below the inheritance tax threshold, despite including properties worth significantly more. The apparent manipulation of estate values is a tactic often employed by fraudsters to evade tax obligations. ## The Criminal Network Investigations into these cases have unveiled a complex web of connections among individuals like Szvercsok and Silye. Both men share Hungarian names and are linked through a series of companies, some of which have been flagged for fraudulent activities. This indicates the presence of an organized criminal network actively exploiting the probate system. ### Handwriting Analysis A handwriting analysis conducted by Christina Strang revealed that multiple wills associated with these cases were likely penned by the same individual. The similarities in signatures and document formatting suggest a systematic approach to fraud, further complicating the legal ramifications for legitimate heirs. ## The Role of Law Enforcement Despite the alarming evidence, law enforcement agencies have been slow to act. Lisa and Nicole were left with no recourse when the police and probate service refused to investigate their claims. This lack of action highlights a broader issue within the legal system, where probate fraud is often overlooked due to its perceived low priority. ### The Need for Reform Former MP Sir Bob Neill, who previously chaired the House of Commons Justice Select Committee, has voiced concerns over the digitization of the probate system. He argues that the move to an automated process has diminished the level of scrutiny and human oversight that was once integral to identifying fraudulent applications. ## Potential Solutions To combat the rise of probate fraud, several reforms could be implemented: 1. **Stricter Verification Processes**: Introduce more rigorous checks on applications for probate, including verifying the identities of applicants and the legitimacy of submitted wills. 2. **Enhanced Training for Probate Officials**: Equip probate officials with the necessary tools and training to identify red flags and suspicious patterns in applications. 3. **Increased Collaboration with Law Enforcement**: Foster better communication between probate services and law enforcement agencies to facilitate timely investigations into suspected fraud. 4. **Public Awareness Campaigns**: Educate the public about the risks of probate fraud and the importance of ensuring their estate plans are legally sound. ## Conclusion The troubling cases highlighted in this article reveal a significant vulnerability in the UK probate system, one that is being exploited by criminals to siphon millions from unsuspecting heirs. As the stories of Lisa, Nicole, and others illustrate, the emotional toll of such fraud can be devastating, leaving families in limbo and without recourse. The need for reform in the probate process is urgent. By implementing stricter verification measures, enhancing training, and fostering collaboration with law enforcement, we can begin to close the gaps that allow these crimes to flourish. The question remains: how many more innocent heirs will suffer before meaningful changes are made? ### FAQs #### What is probate? Probate is the legal process by which a deceased person's estate is administered. This includes validating the will, distributing assets, and settling debts and taxes. #### What is Bona Vacantia? Bona Vacantia is the official government register of unclaimed estates in England and Wales. It lists deceased individuals whose estates have no known heirs. #### How can I protect my estate from fraud? To protect your estate, consider consulting with a legal professional to draft a valid will, keep it updated, and ensure it is stored securely. Additionally, inform trusted family members about your estate plans. In light of these unsettling revelations about the probate system, what steps do you think should be taken to protect the rights of heirs and prevent fraud? #ProbateFraud #InheritanceRights #EstatePlanning