What would tax collector benefit by capturing worthless land?

The tax collector could be an agent, not of the people, but of the very rich people. And if such a very rich person can get control of enough "worthless land" in an area and obtain favorable tax treatment for HIS holdings, on whatever pretext, in time the land might become valuable, especially if he successively acquires contiguous parcels.

"It is not necessary to have hope in order to persevere."