Three Men Pulled Off the $6 Million Toilet Heist! But how they made such a bold move?
In an audacious burglary that made headlines worldwide, a one-of-a-kind 18-carat gold toilet was stolen from Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill, on September 14, 2019. The toilet, a satirical work titled “America” by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, was valued at a staggering £4.8 million ($6 million). It was previously displayed at The Guggenheim Museum in New York before making its way to the historic English estate.
The Heist: A Well-Planned Burglary
This wasn’t your average smash-and-grab. Prosecutor Julian Christopher described the raid as “audacious,” and for good reason. The toilet, weighing over 215 pounds, was removed in less than five minutes. Three men one responsible for the theft and the others helping to sell the stolen goods are facing trial. The stolen toilet has never been recovered and is believed to have been dismantled and sold for its gold value.
Credits: Times of India
The Reconnaissance: A Thorough Planning
The burglars, led by Michael Jones, meticulously planned the theft. In the weeks prior to the heist, Jones conducted reconnaissance at Blenheim Palace, photographing the window that would later be smashed to gain entry. He even took pictures inside the bathroom, including of the seat’s lock. The thorough planning proved crucial to the success of the crime.
Credits: BBC
A Web of Deceit
After the heist, James Sheen, a builder involved in the burglary, allegedly brokered deals to sell the stolen gold. Text messages revealed that Sheen referred to the toilet as a “car,” attempting to sell the gold discreetly. Fred Doe and Bora Guccuk were allegedly involved in this illegal transaction.
Despite the intricacy of the crime, the priceless toilet remains missing, and the trial continues.
