New Zealand Police Retrieve $19,000 Fabergé Pendant After Theft

New Zealand Police successfully recovered a limited-edition Fabergé pendant valued at $19,000 after a six-day wait for it to be expelled from the gastrointestinal tract of a suspect accused of swallowing the jewelry. The pendant, inspired by the 1983 James Bond film “Octopussy,” was retrieved on the evening of December 7, 2023, following constant surveillance of the man in custody.

The suspect, a 32-year-old male, was arrested at Partridge Jewelers in Auckland on November 28, 2023, shortly after the alleged theft took place. He made his initial court appearance the following day, on November 29, 2023, but did not enter a plea to the theft charge. The man remains in police custody, awaiting a further court appearance scheduled for Monday, December 11, 2023.

Inspector Grae Anderson of the New Zealand Police stated, “Given this man is in Police custody, we have a duty of care to continue monitoring him given the circumstances of what has occurred.” Officers were present around the clock to observe the suspect until the pendant was naturally expelled without the need for medical intervention.

The recovered Fabergé egg pendant is one of only 50 produced and features intricate craftsmanship. It is composed of gold, painted with green enamel, and adorned with 183 diamonds and two sapphires. Measuring 3.3 inches in height, the pendant is mounted on a stand. The item description notes that the egg opens to reveal an 18ct yellow gold octopus nestled inside, complete with white diamond suckers and black diamond eyes, a nod to the film’s antagonist.

A photograph released by the New Zealand Police shows a gloved hand holding the recovered pendant, complete with its intact price tag. The pendant’s unique design and association with the iconic James Bond franchise add to its allure and value.

As the investigation continues, the public awaits further developments regarding the suspect’s court proceedings and the implications of the theft on local businesses.