Thieves Loot ₹30 Crore Gold Toilet ‘America’ from UK Palace

UK (The Uttam Hindu): A shocking case of theft has resurfaced in court, revealing how thieves stole an 18-carat gold toilet worth £2.8 million (₹30.78 crore) from Blenheim Palace, UK, in just five minutes. The toilet, named **‘America’**, was an artwork by Italian artist **Maurizio Cattelan** and was fully functional during an exhibition. On **September 14, 2019**, a group of thieves, armed with hammers, stormed the palace, uprooted the golden toilet, and escaped in stolen cars. The heist was carefully planned and executed swiftly, leaving authorities stunned.

During the ongoing hearing at **Oxford Crown Court**, prosecutors stated that the accused, **Michael Jones, 39, from Oxford**, pleaded not guilty. Investigations revealed that the gang used two stolen vehicles for the operation and left the crime scene within minutes. The toilet, weighing **98 kg**, was **insured for $6 million (£4.75 million)**, but it was never recovered. Prosecutors suspect the thieves **broke it into pieces and sold the gold**, making retrieval impossible. The incident took place at the birthplace of **Winston Churchill**, adding another layer of intrigue to the crime.

Court proceedings continue, with new revelations expected in the coming days. Prosecutors believe at least **five thieves** were involved in what is being called a **“historic” heist**. The case has not only puzzled investigators but also left legal experts surprised by the audacity of the crime. As hearings progress, more details may emerge, shedding light on how the thieves planned and executed one of the most bizarre and daring art thefts in recent history.