Police in New Zealand have successfully recovered a high-value Fabergé egg pendant after a suspect allegedly swallowed the item during a theft at a jewellery store.
The Unusual Theft and Patient Recovery
The incident occurred on 28 November at Partridge Jewellers in Auckland. A 32-year-old man, who has not been named by authorities, was arrested inside the store minutes after he allegedly swallowed the ornate pendant. He has remained in police custody since the alleged theft.
For six days following the incident, officers maintained a round-the-clock watch on the suspect. A police spokesperson confirmed they monitored the man's every bowel movement as part of their duty of care. Their patience paid off on Thursday night when the NZ$33,000 (approximately £16,300 or $19,000 USD) pendant was recovered through natural means, without requiring any medical intervention.
A Bond-Inspired Treasure
The recovered item is no ordinary piece of jewellery. It is a limited-edition Fabergé egg pendant inspired by the 1983 James Bond film Octopussy, a film whose plot centrally involves a jewel-smuggling operation with a fake Fabergé egg.
According to the store's website, only 50 of these pendants were made. The piece is crafted from gold, painted with green enamel, and encrusted with 183 diamonds and two sapphires. It stands 8.4cm (3.3in) tall and is mounted on a stand.
"The egg opens to reveal an 18ct yellow gold octopus nestled inside, adorned with white diamond suckers and black diamond eyes," the description states, noting that the octopus pays homage to the film's eponymous antagonist.
Evidence Secured for Court
A photograph released by police on Friday showed the pendant, still attached to its long gold chain with an intact price tag, held in a gloved hand. A spokesperson stated that both the necklace and the man would remain in police custody.
Inspector Grae Anderson emphasised the police's duty of care in a statement on Wednesday, saying, "Given this man is in police custody, we have a duty of care to continue monitoring him given the circumstances of what has occurred."
The suspect made an initial court appearance on 29 November but did not enter a plea to a charge of theft. He is next due to appear at the Auckland District Court on 8 December.
