Police in Auckland, New Zealand, successfully recovered a Fabergé egg pendant valued at $19,000 six days after an alleged theft attempt involving the suspect swallowing the item. The incident unfolded at Partridge Jewelers on November 28, 2023, when a 32-year-old man, whose identity has not been disclosed, was observed attempting to steal the pendant by ingesting it.
Store staff alerted authorities, leading to the man’s immediate arrest. The pendant, which features a 20-inch gold chain, was found by police on December 4, 2023. A police photograph showed the pendant being held by an officer wearing gloves, with the original price tag still attached, indicating a value of over 33,000 New Zealand dollars.
According to police, “No medical intervention was required and the pendant passed naturally.” The suspect remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Auckland District Court on December 11, 2023. He did not enter a plea for the theft charge during his initial court appearance.
The pendant is a unique piece crafted from 18-carat yellow gold, adorned with 60 white diamonds and 15 blue sapphires. Its design is inspired by the 1983 James Bond film “Octopussy,” where Bond engages in a bidding war over a Fabergé egg. The locket, which is comparable in size to a large fingernail, opens to reveal a miniature octopus crafted from gold and set with black diamond eyes, as detailed on Fabergé’s official website.
Auckland Central Area Commander Inspector Grae Anderson noted the unusual nature of the case, stating, “Given this man is in police custody, we have a duty of care to continue monitoring him given the circumstances of what has occurred.” Police assigned an officer to closely watch the suspect following his arrest, hoping the stolen item would be expelled naturally.
The recovery of the Fabergé pendant highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in unusual theft cases and the lengths taken to ensure both the safety of the suspect and the recovery of stolen property. As the legal proceedings unfold, the incident serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in retail theft and the unique methods employed by individuals attempting to evade capture.
