In a case that reads like a cinematic plot, a rare and valuable Fabergé pendant has been successfully recovered by police after a suspect allegedly swallowed it to conceal the evidence.
The Unusual Police Operation
The 32-year-old man was arrested at Partridge Jewellers in Auckland on 28 November and taken into custody. Officers quickly realised the precious item was missing and suspected he had ingested it. What followed was an extraordinary six-day surveillance operation. Detectives maintained a constant watch, stationed around the clock, waiting for the pendant to naturally pass through the suspect's gastrointestinal tract.
Their patience was ultimately rewarded. The limited-edition jewel, valued at £14,250, emerged without the need for medical intervention. A released photograph shows the recovered item, held in a gloved hand, with its long gold chain clearly visible. Remarkably, the price tag remained intact.
A Jewel Inspired by James Bond
This was no ordinary piece of jewellery. The pendant is one of only 50 ever made and is directly inspired by the 1983 James Bond film Octopussy, which featured a smuggling operation involving a fake Fabergé egg.
The craftsmanship is exquisite:
- Crafted from gold and painted with green enamel.
- Encrusted with 183 diamonds and two sapphires.
- It opens to reveal an intricate 18-carat yellow gold octopus inside, adorned with white diamond suckers and black diamond eyes.
Evidence Recovered and Case Proceeds
The recovery marks a crucial point in the investigation. With the physical evidence now in their possession, authorities can proceed with their case against the accused. The statement from detectives included a wry nod to the jewel's durability, noting that "after all, diamonds are forever."
The suspect has remained in police custody since his arrest. This unusual method of evidence concealment and recovery underscores the lengths to which individuals may go, and the diligent efforts required by law enforcement to secure justice, even when the proof is, quite literally, internally hidden.
