Police investigating the £4.75 million gold toilet heist at Blenheim Palace uncover complex criminal schemes and possible smuggling abroad as authorities pursue assets and multiple suspects linked to the daring 2019 burglary.
Investigations into the audacious theft of an 18-carat gold toilet from Blenheim Palace have revealed that the stolen item, valued at approximately £4.75 million, may have been smuggled out of the UK. On 14 September 2019, the gilded lavatory was taken during a late-night burglary while it was on display at the historic palace as part of an exhibition by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan. The theft, which caused significant flooding and damage to the palace, has drawn considerable attention, not just for the bizarre nature of the crime, but also for the profile of the individuals involved.
James Sheen, a 39-year-old known as a "career criminal", is believed to have been the mastermind behind the operation. Following the theft, he reportedly had the 98 kg toilet dismantled for resale to contacts within the criminal underworld. Thames Valley Police have confirmed that they are collaborating with international partners in an effort to trace the whereabouts of the gold. Detective Superintendent Bruce Riddell stated that while the gold could potentially have been moved abroad, it is more likely that it underwent a transformation within the UK first. This transformation could prevent immediate recognition as stolen property, complicating recovery efforts.
To further the investigation, police are focusing on the identification and seizure of criminal assets linked to the thieves. Riddell noted that the detectives are pursuing leads regarding “a significant amount” in assets connected to Sheen and his associates. “He’s not frightened of who he hurts or what he damages,” Riddell commented, highlighting the mentality of those involved. Sheen is currently serving a lengthy sentence for other crimes, which include multiple thefts such as cash-point robberies and a museum burglary. Alongside him, Michael Jones has been convicted of burglary, while Frederick Doe received a suspended sentence for conspiracy to transfer criminal property.
The investigation has proven to be intricate, with hundreds of hours of CCTV footage reviewed and thousands of statements collected. Police have detained twelve individuals in connection with the theft. Notably, incriminating evidence, including images and voice notes on Sheen’s phone, has surfaced, allegedly depicting profits from the heist as well as traces of gold found on clothing linked to him.
As investigators dig deeper, Riddell expressed his confidence that more individuals may be implicated but admitted that substantiating charges against them remains an obstacle due to insufficient evidence at this stage. Additionally, he indicated that there could be numerous people involved in the handling of the gold who might not fully recognise their participation in illicit activities.
Authorities are poised to apply a serious crime prevention order upon Sheen's release from his current sentence, which could lead to further restrictions should he breach its terms. The ongoing inquiry into this unusual theft continues to evolve, as police pursue every avenue to recover the lost artwork and bring those responsible to justice.
Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative is based on a recent press release from Thames Valley Police dated 13 June 2025, discussing the ongoing investigation into the 2019 theft of the 18-carat gold toilet from Blenheim Palace. The press release indicates that the investigation is still active, with new developments being reported. This suggests that the content is fresh and not recycled. However, the narrative references events from 2019, which may be considered older news. The press release format typically warrants a high freshness score due to its direct communication from authorities. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were identified. The narrative does not appear to have been republished across low-quality sites or clickbait networks. No earlier versions with different figures, dates, or quotes were found. The article includes updated data from the press release, justifying a higher freshness score. No similar content was found more than 7 days earlier.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
The direct quotes in the narrative are sourced from the press release by Thames Valley Police dated 13 June 2025. No identical quotes were found in earlier material, indicating that the quotes are original to this release. The wording of the quotes matches the press release, with no variations identified. No online matches for the quotes were found, suggesting that the content is potentially original or exclusive.
Source reliability
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative originates from a reputable organisation, The Irish News, which is a well-established news outlet. The press release is from Thames Valley Police, a legitimate and authoritative source. The individuals mentioned in the report, such as Detective Superintendent Bruce Riddell and James Sheen, are verifiable through official records and news reports. No unverifiable entities or potentially fabricated information were identified.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative discusses the ongoing investigation into the 2019 theft of the 18-carat gold toilet from Blenheim Palace, with recent developments reported in June 2025. The claims made in the narrative are consistent with previous reports and the press release from Thames Valley Police. The language and tone are consistent with official police communications. No inconsistencies or suspicious elements were identified. The narrative includes specific factual anchors, such as dates, names, and institutions, enhancing its credibility.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is based on a recent and original press release from Thames Valley Police, discussing the ongoing investigation into the 2019 theft of the 18-carat gold toilet from Blenheim Palace. The quotes are original to the press release, and the source is reputable. The claims are plausible and consistent with previous reports. No significant issues were identified, leading to a high confidence in the assessment.
