WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) – New Zealand Police announced on Friday that they have successfully recovered a valuable Fabergé pendant after monitoring a man suspected of swallowing the jewelry during an attempted theft at an Auckland store. The pendant, inspired by the iconic James Bond film "Octopussy," had been under tight surveillance for six days before it naturally exited the suspect's gastrointestinal tract without the need for medical intervention.
The limited-edition Fabergé egg pendant is a unique piece related to the 1983 film "Octopussy," which features a plot centered around a jewel-smuggling operation involving a fake Fabergé egg. A police photo released on Friday depicted the recovered pendant, showing a gloved hand holding the item alongside its long gold chain. The intact price tag revealed the pendant's significant value of 33,000 New Zealand dollars, approximately $19,000.
The incident unfolded on November 28, when the 32-year-old male suspect was arrested inside Partridge Jewelers in Auckland shortly after allegedly stealing the pendant. A court appearance followed on November 29, wherein the suspect did not enter a plea regarding the theft charge. Since the arrest, he has remained in police custody, with officers stationed around the clock to monitor him until the jewelry was recovered as evidence.
This unusual case drew significant attention, prompting Inspector Grae Anderson to state that the police have a duty to ensure the suspect’s welfare given the circumstances surrounding the jewel theft. The suspect has not been publicly identified and is expected to appear in Auckland District Court on Monday, remaining in police custody until the court proceedings take place.
The pendant itself, which is one of only 50 pieces crafted, boasts a design made from gold, with green enamel paint and encrusted with 183 diamonds and two sapphires. The piece measures 8.4 centimeters (or 3.3 inches) tall and is mounted on a stand. Notably, the egg can be opened to reveal an intricate 18-carat yellow gold octopus inside, adorned with white diamond suckers and black diamond eyes. This design pays homage to the titular antagonist from the "Octopussy" film, further adding to the pendant's allure.
The circumstances of this unusual theft and the suspect's actions have raised eyebrows, showcasing an eccentric but ultimately unsuccessful attempt at stealing a high-value item. As police continue their investigation, the case highlights both the challenges faced by law enforcement in dealing with such incidents and the lengths they go to recover stolen property.
