Multi-Million Pound Fabergé Egg Stolen in London Pub Robbery
In a shocking case of high-value theft, Enzo Conticello has admitted to stealing a Fabergé egg and luxury watch worth approximately £2 million from a West End pub in Soho, London. The Metropolitan Police are actively investigating the disappearance of these precious items, which were taken alongside more conventional loot including a laptop and credit cards.
Courtroom Admission and Ongoing Investigation
Conticello, who also goes by the name Hakim Boudjenoune, appeared at Southwark Crown Court wearing a grey prison tracksuit. He pleaded guilty to theft and three counts of fraud by false representation, though he did not enter a plea regarding the charge of concealing criminal property specifically related to the egg and watch.
Judge Griffith addressed Conticello directly during the proceedings, stating, "It must have been rather a surprise to you when you saw that egg. What you did with it, I don't know at the moment, but I expect we're going to find out." The suspect, who has no fixed address, was remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear again on March 6 for sentencing.
Metropolitan Police detectives arrested Conticello in Belfast on January 26, following the November 2024 incident where he targeted Rosie Dawson, director of premium brands at the Craft Irish Whiskey Company. The stolen items belong to her company, which has collaborated with Fabergé on exclusive collections.
The Significance of Fabergé Eggs
Fabergé eggs are internationally recognized symbols of opulence and craftsmanship. Originally created as gemstone-encrusted versions of traditional Easter eggs by Peter Carl Fabergé for Russia's Romanov dynasty between 1885 and 1916, these pieces have become highly collectible luxury items.
The House of Fabergé, founded in 1842, continues to produce modern interpretations of these historic ornaments. Recent creations include the 2024 Malaika Egg, featuring thousands of diamonds and rubies. Some eggs contain extravagant surprises inside, adding to their mystique and value.
In December, a 112-year-old "winter egg" from the imperial collection sold at auction for a record-breaking £22.9 million, demonstrating the extraordinary market for these rare pieces. The stolen egg in this case was part of a collaboration between Fabergé and the Craft Irish Whiskey Company, featuring Celtic designs and precious stones.
Collaboration Between Luxury Brands
The Craft Irish Whiskey Company partnered with Fabergé in 2021 to create a special seven-piece collection celebrating the "seven wonders of Ireland." This exclusive set included a 30-year-old bottle of Irish whiskey, a bespoke Fabergé Celtic egg, and an 18-carat rose gold watch.
The Celtic egg designs incorporate pave diamond Celtic knots as symbols of Irish heritage, with uncut Zambian emeralds hidden inside. This collaboration represents the intersection of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary luxury branding, making the stolen items particularly significant to collectors and historians alike.
As the Metropolitan Police continue their investigation to recover the missing treasures, this case highlights the ongoing challenges of protecting high-value items in public spaces. The combination of historical significance, artistic value, and substantial monetary worth makes this theft particularly noteworthy in London's criminal landscape.
