Shadow World: The Grave Robbers, a new BBC Radio 4 podcast launches original investigation of gangs faking wills to steal inheritance
Award-winning investigative reporter Sue Mitchell (Intrigue: To Catch a Scorpion, Million Dollar Lover) reveals how a gang operating in the UK is stealing houses from people who die without a recent will. Over five episodes, Sue reveals a network of companies that connect the gang members and finds evidence linked to illegal drugs, money laundering and the sale of UK work visas.
The series hears from victims of the gang, confronts its leaders and exposes the shortfalls of a creaking system that leaves many others at risk.
Sisters discover they are due to inherit a significant sum from their estranged Aunt and probate is stopped in its tracks...
In late 2023, sisters Lisa and Nicole found out they were due to inherit a significant sum from their estranged late Aunt Christine. Heir-identifying, Anglia Research Services, contacted the sisters to inform them their aunt had died, left no will and as her closest surviving relatives they were in line to inherit everything she owned. In return for a portion of the inheritance, companies like Anglia Research apply for a grant of probate – that is, the legal right to deal with the dead person's estate and arrange for any inheritance tax to be paid.
The sisters reveal to Sue their initial surprise at learning they were to receive a life changing inheritance was followed by an even bigger shock.
A Hungarian man by the name of Tamas Szvercsok had contacted the probate service, and produced a will describing him as Christine's 'dear friend'. It named him sole executor and beneficiary of her entire estate. The possibility that Mr Szvercsok was genuine, was not initially dismissed out of hand.
Matt Boardman, former policeman, and current employee of Anglia Research Services, told the podcast: 'It happens, sometimes cases slip through the net and a will is unearthed'.
However, there were clear signs that all was not what it seemed. Christine's neighbour and friend, Sue, said she had never mentioned a Hungarian friend at any point in the years they had known each other. The will was dated 2016 - Christine was housebound and disabled by this time, and receiving practically no visitors. Her home address was also misspelled on the will, and even though it was dated 2016, the address given for Mr Szvercsok was a block of flats that was not built until 2022.
Matt Boardman contacted Mr Szvercsok, who replied by email: 'I never heard of any family. I'm the sole executor of her will.'
Despite presenting what they thought was a strong case to police and the probate service, Lisa and Nicole say they were informed that there would be no investigation into Mr Szvercsok's will.
The process has now been frozen. Mr Szvercsok has not been able to take possession of Mrs Christine Harverson's estate, but Lisa and Nicole have been told that they would have to bring a civil case if they wanted to prove that the will was a fake. That would cost tens of thousands of pounds which they do not have.
Sue Mitchell says: 'We have this saying in the UK, safe as houses… once you have a house, no one can steal it from you… This is the story of criminals who steal other peoples' inheritance, to steal the homes of the dead, robbing them and their rightful heir. I'm going to explain how and you won't believe how simple it is. You won't believe it's going on right now and no one is stopping these thieves.'
Shadow World: The Grave Robbers begins on BBC Sounds on Saturday 5 July. The first episode will be available on BBC Radio 4 from Wednesday 9 July at 9.30am New episodes will be released weekly.
Listen to Shadow World: The Grave Robbers on BBC Sounds
Presenter: Sue Mitchell
Produced by: Sue Mitchell and Winifred Robinson
Commissioning Editor: Dan Clarke
Commissioning Executive: Tracy Williams
The Grave Robbers is a BBC Studios Audio production for BBC Radio 4.
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