Nanjing, May 11, 2026 – A 45-year-old single man in Nanjing passed away due to illness, and his uncle, who accompanied him during treatment, was unable to inherit his estate. His savings of 150,000 yuan (Chinese RMB) were taken away by the Civil Affairs Bureau of the Chinese Communist Party. Netizens criticized the Civil Affairs Bureau for their unseemly behavior, calling it a blatant snatch. Multiple cases of estates of single individuals being confiscated after their death have sparked controversy.
According to a report by mainland media Lizhi News on May 10, Nanjing man Ge Yulin passed away from cancer in 2023 at the age of 45. Ge Yulin was single before his death, with both parents deceased and no children. His septuagenarian uncle, Ge Zhiping, was his closest elder relative and had been caring for him throughout his battle with cancer.
As per Ge Zhiping’s account, Ge Yulin was an only child who had never been married. With both parents deceased, he was closest to his uncle, Ge Zhiping. Prior to his passing, Ge Yulin expressed multiple times his intention to leave his house for his uncle’s retirement care, but due to a sudden deterioration in his condition, he did not leave a will.
After Ge Yulin’s passing, he left behind a property, an allowance of 50,000 yuan, and savings of 150,000 yuan. Ge Zhiping visited the real estate bureau and the bank, among other departments, to request inheritance of Ge Yulin’s estate but was informed that he was not a legal heir.
Upon checking Ge Yulin’s bank records, Ge Zhiping discovered that the 150,000 yuan in his account had been gradually transferred out.
Subsequently, Ge Zhiping reported the case to the police. However, the police refused to file the case stating that Ge Zhiping “is not a legal heir and is not a victim in the case.” Despite making repeated calls to the 12345 mayor’s hotline, Ge Zhiping did not receive any resolution.
It was reported that the Civil Affairs Bureau of Gulou District became the administrator of Ge Yulin’s estate. As a result, Ge Zhiping took legal action against the Civil Affairs Bureau of Gulou District, seeking a division of the estate.
Lawyers stated that Ge Zhiping and Ge Yulin had been supporting each other for a long time. The nephew had taken care of his uncle, and the uncle had wholeheartedly cared for and accompanied his nephew during his serious illness, which fully met the legal situation of “providing more support.”
Many mainland netizens commented on the news of Ge Yulin’s passing in Nanjing, mocking the authorities:
“Their behavior is disgraceful, it’s a robbery.” “A wolf is always a wolf.” “When the person was alive, the Civil Affairs Bureau acted like they were dead, but as soon as the person passed away, the Civil Affairs Bureau came alive immediately.” “Did the Civil Affairs Bureau provide any care at all? Their actions are swift.”
Some netizens offered advice: “If you or someone you know is in a similar situation, it is recommended to take some precautions in advance: 1. Share your bank password with the person you trust the most. This may not solve the inheritance issue but at least they can access your funds to take care of your medical treatment or manage affairs when you are ill or unconscious, rather than watching the money being frozen. 2. If there is someone who has been caring for you long-term, directly go to a notary office and sign a ‘Donation and Care Agreement.'”
However, whether this is the best approach remains inconclusive at present.