In a long-awaited development, four men have been charged in connection with the theft of an 18-karat gold toilet valued at £4.8 million ($5.9 million) from Blenheim Palace in September 2019. The stolen item, an art installation called "America," was taken during an overnight raid on the stately British home, causing significant damage and flooding. The stolen toilet, created by Italian conceptual artist Maurizio Cattelan, was only on display for two days before it disappeared. It had been installed in a wood-paneled room at Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill, and was plumbed in at the time of the theft.

The removal of the toilet resulted in extensive damage to the 18th-century palace, a UNESCO world heritage site. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has authorized criminal charges against the four individuals involved in the theft. James Sheen, 39, has been charged with burglary, conspiracy to transfer criminal property, and transferring criminal property. Michael Jones, 38, has been charged with burglary. Fred Doe, 35, and Bora Guccuk, 39, have both been charged with conspiracy to transfer criminal property. The defendants are scheduled to appear in court later this month.

The theft of the gold toilet attracted significant attention due to its unusual nature and high value. Created as a commentary on wealth inequality, the toilet had previously been displayed at the Guggenheim Museum in New York, attracting long queues of visitors eager to use it. It was moved to Blenheim Palace for Cattelan's first solo UK show in over 20 years. Speaking after the theft, Cattelan expressed hope that it was a mere prank, questioning the motivation behind stealing a toilet. The gold toilet, titled "America," was intended to symbolize the American dream and the accessibility of wealth to all.

Its theft, however, seemed to underscore the irony of an elite object being snatched away and hidden from view. The incident has been under investigation by Thames Valley Police since it occurred. Several arrests have been made in connection with the theft, but until now, no one had been charged. The filing of criminal charges marks a significant step forward in the case and brings hope of justice for the theft of this unique and valuable artwork.