A gold toilet called America, worth $6 million, was stolen in 2019. Brit cops just caught the thieves
This 18-karat toilet, once at New York's Guggenheim Museum, caused a stir when it vanished four years ago from Blenheim Palace. (Photo Credits: Getty Images)
In a curious twist that would leave even Sherlock Holmes raising an eyebrow, British police appear to have flushed out the culprits responsible for swiping a $6 million (Rs 42 crore) golden toilet hilariously named 'America'.
In a recent development, seven individuals have been arrested, shedding new light on the theft that left art aficionados and toilet enthusiasts equally baffled.
What
- This 18-karat commode, previously showcased at New York's Guggenheim Museum, created quite a commotion when it disappeared from Winston Churchill's childhood home, Blenheim Palace, four years ago.
- An Italian artist, Maurizio Cattelan, humorously named his toilet 'America' to highlight the extravagance in the United States.
- This toilet caused a stir for quite some time when it was displayed at the New York Guggenheim Museum.
Breaking: 7 individuals nabbed by police for allegedly heisting a $6M golden toilet dubbed 'America.' The 18-karat loo, once exhibited at NYC's Guggenheim Museum, caused a stir when it vanished 4 years ago from Winston Churchill's childhood residence, Blenheim Palace. 🚓💰🚽 pic.twitter.com/vm6mJKRsG4
— XViral (@ViraliaOne) September 1, 2023
- Visitors were even allowed to use it, while guards kept an eye on it.
- Back in 2018, the museum caused quite a stir when it jokingly offered to send the fancy toilet to the White House for then-President Donald Trump to use.
- Then, this golden throne had a royal tour of sorts.
- It landed in the UK, where it was showcased at Blenheim Palace, a massive 187-room estate that used to belong to Winston Churchill.
The Great Loo Heist
But here's the twist - it had only been on display for two days when some daring folks stole it.
Now, four years later, the police have nabbed seven people they suspect might be connected to this toilet theft.
- Among them, there's a 38-year-old lady and six guys aged between 38 and 68.
- They were let go for now as the Crown Prosecution Service checks out the case to see if they'll face any charges.
- They pulled off the heist just before 5 am on September 14, 2019, in two getaway cars, as reported by the BBC.
Since the toilet was all hooked up for the exhibit, the thieves had to literally cut it away from the pipes and other stuff, causing a bit of a flood at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Quite a royal flush!