Fact Check: "Within two weeks of the heist, James 'Jimmy' Sheen sold 20 kg (44 lb) of gold, approximately one fifth of the toilet's weight, to an unknown buyer in Birmingham for £520,000."
What We Know
The claim regarding James 'Jimmy' Sheen selling 20 kg of gold shortly after the infamous gold toilet heist is supported by multiple credible sources. According to a report by the BBC, within two weeks of the theft of the 18-carat gold toilet from Blenheim Palace, Sheen sold approximately one fifth of the toilet's weight—20 kg (44 lb)—to an unknown buyer in Birmingham for £520,000. This theft occurred shortly after the artwork, titled "America" by Maurizio Cattelan, was unveiled at an exhibition in September 2019. The heist was executed quickly, taking no more than five-and-a-half minutes, and involved significant planning and coordination among the thieves.
Additionally, a report from Yahoo News corroborates this information, confirming that Sheen sold the gold within the specified timeframe and for the stated amount. The sale was part of a broader criminal scheme that involved Sheen, who has a long history of criminal activity, including organized crime.
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim is robust, coming from reputable news outlets that have reported on the case extensively. The BBC and Yahoo News articles provide detailed accounts of the heist, the subsequent investigation, and Sheen's criminal history. The BBC article notes that Sheen was a key player in the heist and was found guilty of multiple charges related to the crime, including burglary and transferring criminal property.
The reliability of these sources is high, as they are established news organizations known for their investigative journalism. The BBC, in particular, is recognized for its thorough reporting and adherence to journalistic standards. The Yahoo News article, while less detailed, aligns with the facts presented by the BBC, further reinforcing the credibility of the claim.
However, it is important to note that the claim does not specify the identity of the buyer, which remains unknown. This lack of detail does not detract from the veracity of the main claim regarding the sale of the gold.
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The claim that James 'Jimmy' Sheen sold 20 kg of gold, approximately one fifth of the toilet's weight, to an unknown buyer in Birmingham for £520,000 within two weeks of the heist is substantiated by credible sources. Both the BBC and Yahoo News confirm the details of the sale and Sheen's involvement in the crime, establishing the claim as accurate.
