Shadow World

By: BBC Radio 4
  • Summary

  • Gripping stories from the shadows - BBC investigations from across the UK

    Something about this doesn't add up. In Hertfordshire towns, people who live alone are disappearing. Their neighbours are wondering why they've not seen them, or if they might have died. Giving someone else control of your finances and decisions - through Lasting Power of Attorney - is meant to come with a guarantee that they always act in your best interest. In this series, BBC investigative reporter Sue Mitchell explores a widespread business practice where some people are moved out of their homes and left with no idea what is happening to their money. It often involves people with little or no family to ask questions about where they are moved to, or to challenge the fees involved. It can be people who've accumulated wealth over a lifetime, whose assets are now helping to fund those who are taking decisions for them. The series looks at the loopholes that allow it to happen and the relationship between care homes, social workers and a business taking on a huge number of powers of attorney. It begins with the concerned friends and relatives who want to know what has happened to their neighbour or loved one; Where have they gone? And why has their home been emptied and sold? This is an original investigation, with recordings in real time, exploring how power of attorney orders can be used for better or worse.

    (C) BBC 2024
    Show more Show less
Episodes
  • The Willpower Detectives: 7. Rescue Me
    Dec 12 2024

    The hidden scandal of Power of Attorney – how one man controls the finances of scores of vulnerable people. Sue Mitchell holds those responsible to account and ends with the story of one woman, now on the brink of a new life. She is taking back control of her finances and is on the move.

    Giving someone else control of your finances and decisions – through Lasting Power of Attorney – is meant to come with a guarantee that they always act in your best interest. In this series, BBC investigative reporter Sue Mitchell explores a widespread business practice where some people are moved out of their homes and left with no idea what is happening to their money. It often involves people with little or no family to ask questions about where they are moved to, or to challenge the fees involved. It can be people who’ve accumulated wealth over a lifetime, whose assets are now helping to fund those who are taking decisions for them. The series looks at the loopholes that allow it to happen and the relationship between care homes, social workers and a business taking on a huge number of powers of attorney. It begins with the concerned friends and relatives who want to know what has happened to their neighbour or loved one; Where have they gone? And why has their home been emptied and sold? This is an original investigation, with recordings in real time, exploring how power of attorney orders can be used for better or worse.

    Shadow World: Gripping stories from the shadows - BBC investigations from across the UK.

    Presented by Sue Mitchell Produced by Sue Mitchell, Joel Moors and Winifred Robinson

    Show more Show less
    33 mins
  • Thief at the British Museum: 1. The Man with the Cardboard Box
    May 27 2024

    People have called Dr Ittai Gradel a kind of Sherlock Holmes, if Holmes were Danish and obsessed with gems. He’s an antiquities dealer with an eye for stolen goods who will help unlock the mystery at the heart of this story.

    When Katie meets him in London, he’s got something to show her - two ancient gemstones he believes belong to the British Museum.

    But this whodunnit begins more than a decade ago as a man with a cardboard box wanders into an antiques market. He has some valuable treasure to sell.

    Presenter: Katie Razzall Producers: Darin Graham, Ben Henderson and Larissa Kennelly Production Coordinator: Gemma Ashman Mix and sound design : James Beard Composer: Jenny Plant Exec-producer: Joe Kent Investigations Editor: Ed Campbell Series Editor: Matt Willis Commissioning Executive: Tracy Williams Commissioning Editor: Dan Clarke

    Archive: Sky News Australia

    Show more Show less
    15 mins
  • Thief at the British Museum: 2. White Paper Dots
    May 27 2024

    A mysterious seller appears with a seemingly endless supply of ancient, precious gems at bargain prices. Collector and dealer Ittai Gradel snaps them up. But then a strange series of events starts to unfold.

    From his home in rural Denmark, Ittai becomes suspicious about what is happening hundreds of miles away at the heart of the British Museum.

    Presenter: Katie Razzall Producers: Darin Graham, Ben Henderson and Larissa Kennelly Production Coordinator: Gemma Ashman Mix and sound design: James Beard Composer: Jenny Plant Exec-producer: Joe Kent Investigations Editor: Ed Campbell Series Editor: Matt Willis Commissioning Executive: Tracy Williams Commissioning Editor: Dan Clarke

    Show more Show less
    17 mins

What listeners say about Shadow World

Average customer ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.