LONDON — An unconventional heist that resembled more of a daring art theft than a traditional burglary took place in September 2019 at Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Winston Churchill. The stolen item? An 18-carat gold toilet that was valued far beyond its weight due to its unique artistic significance. During proceedings at Oxford Crown Court, prosecutor Julian Christopher outlined the audacious nature of the theft, which occurred in the early morning hours of September 14, taking less than five minutes to pull off.
The toilet, a creation by renowned Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan titled “America,” was both a satirical commentary on opulence and a valuable work of art. Weighing over 215 pounds (98 kilograms) and insured for £4.8 million (approximately $6 million), the toilet itself had a gold value estimated at £2.8 million ($3.5 million). Prior to the incident, it had been showcased at The Guggenheim Museum in New York. Interestingly, the museum had offered this art piece to former U.S. President Donald Trump during his initial term after he expressed interest in borrowing a Van Gogh painting.
Michael Jones, one of the three defendants currently on trial, reportedly conducted surveillance of the palace on two separate occasions before the theft. The first visit occurred prior to the toilet being displayed, while the second was made after it was installed and operational, allowing guests to book exclusive three-minute sessions to use it. According to Christopher, Jones documented the window that would eventually be smashed during the burglary as well as took interior photos of the bathroom, including one of the lock on the toilet door.
Christopher emphasized that Jones’s reconnaissance indicated his involvement in the heist, marking him as guilty of the burglary charge. On the night of the theft, he was allegedly part of a group that gained entry to the palace with two stolen vehicles, specifically an Isuzu truck and a VW Golf. They sped through the grounds, arriving at the front entrance, where they broke the window Jones had previously photographed, quickly dismantled the toilet door, and removed the valuable item, causing significant water damage to the historic structure, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Jones was linked to James Sheen, a builder who played a role in both the theft and the subsequent attempt to sell the toilet, having previously pleaded guilty to charges involving burglary and conspiracy. After the theft, Sheen initiated negotiations with accomplices Fred Doe and Bora Guccuk to offload the stolen item. In a series of text exchanges, Sheen referred to the toilet as a “car” in a coded manner while corresponding with Doe about cashing in on the loot. “I’ve got something right up your path,” Sheen wrote, suggesting a meeting. Doe responded, expressing confidence in selling the “car” quickly, indicating their intentions to resell the stolen goods.
Currently facing conspiracy charges to transfer criminal property, Doe, aged 36, and Guccuk, aged 41, are both involved in this notorious case, which has garnered substantial media attention. All individuals implicated have pleaded not guilty, maintaining their innocence amid the unfolding legal proceedings.
