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Two Convicted in £4.75 Million Golden Toilet Heist at Blenheim Palace

Michael Jones and Frederick Doe were found guilty for their roles in the 2019 theft and sale of Maurizio Cattelan's 18-carat gold artwork, which remains unrecovered.

Image
FILE - This screenshot made from a video shows the 18-karat toilet, titled "America," by Maurizio Cattelan in the restroom of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York, Sept. 16, 2016. (AP Photo, File)
The Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan’s encouraged visitors to use his flushing golden lavatory
The golden lavatory was stolen from Blenheim Palace in southern England in 2019

Overview

  • The 18-carat gold toilet, titled 'America,' was stolen in a five-minute raid at Blenheim Palace on September 14, 2019, causing significant damage to the historic site.
  • Michael Jones, 39, was convicted of burglary, while Frederick Doe, 36, was found guilty of conspiracy to transfer criminal property; James Sheen had previously pleaded guilty, and Bora Guccuk was acquitted.
  • The stolen artwork, valued at £4.75 million and insured for the same amount, is believed to have been melted down and sold as gold, making recovery impossible.
  • Evidence including CCTV footage, forensic traces, and phone records helped prosecutors secure the convictions, disrupting a broader criminal and money laundering network.
  • The golden toilet, created by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, symbolized excessive wealth and had been a centerpiece of exhibitions in New York and at Blenheim Palace before its theft.