New Zealand Police successfully retrieved a valuable Fabergé pendant that was allegedly swallowed by a suspect in Auckland. The pendant, inspired by a James Bond film, was recovered after a six-day wait during which officers closely monitored the 32-year-old man. The pendant was expelled naturally from the suspect’s gastrointestinal tract without any medical intervention, according to police reports.
Details of the Pendant and the Incident
The pendant, a limited-edition piece reminiscent of the 1983 film Octopussy, was designed to resemble a Fabergé egg involved in a jewel-smuggling plot. Photos released by the New Zealand Police show a gloved hand holding the pendant, which features a long gold chain and an intact price tag indicating a value of $19,000.
The suspect was arrested inside Partridge Jewelers in Auckland on November 28, 2023, shortly after the alleged theft. Following his arrest, he made a court appearance the next day, November 29, where he did not enter a plea on the theft charge. He remains in police custody and is scheduled to appear in the Auckland District Court on Monday.
Inspector Grae Anderson commented on the situation, 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 had stationed officers round the clock to ensure they could retrieve the stolen item as soon as it became available.
The Unique Features of the Fabergé Pendant
The pendant is one of only 50 made and is particularly notable for its craftsmanship. It is made from gold, painted with green enamel, and encrusted with 183 diamonds and two sapphires. Standing at 3.3 inches tall, the egg opens to reveal an 18-carat yellow gold octopus inside, adorned with white diamond suckers and black diamond eyes. This design element pays homage to the film’s antagonist.
The recovery of the pendant marks a rare intersection of art, crime, and law enforcement, raising questions about security measures in high-value retail environments. As the suspect awaits his next court appearance, the incident has drawn attention to the lengths police will go to recover stolen items and the unique challenges posed by unusual circumstances surrounding the theft.
