If someone dies and no will is found, and there are no known relatives, the estate goes to the treasury, who add the deceased name and date and location of death to the Bona Vacantia list, which is published once a week. The name stays on the list for up to 30 years or until a legitimate heir come forward. Anyone can view the list and any name that look familiar they can make a claim.
http://www.bonavacant...k/output/estates.aspx
This is why it is always good to have your family tree done including all distaff sides and all siblings,