Metropolitan Police Launch Hunt for £2 Million Fabergé Egg Stolen in Soho Pub Heist
Metropolitan Police officers are intensifying efforts to recover a remarkable haul of stolen treasures, including a Fabergé egg and a luxury watch valued at £2 million, following a theft at a pub in Soho, London. The items were poached in November 2024, sparking a high-profile investigation that has led to an arrest and court proceedings.
Defendant Admits to Theft and Fraud Charges in Court
Enzo Conticello, also known as Hakim Boudjenoune, appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday, where he admitted to theft and three counts of fraud by false representation. Conticello, who is of no fixed address, did not enter a plea to an additional charge of concealing criminal property, which specifically relates to the missing Fabergé egg and watch.
Judge Griffith addressed Conticello during the hearing, 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." Conticello was remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear again at Southwark Crown Court on 6 March for sentencing.
Details of the Soho Pub Theft Emerge
The theft occurred at a West End pub in Soho, where Conticello targeted Rosie Dawson, the director of premium brands at the Craft Irish Whiskey Company. He stole her handbag, which contained not only the Fabergé egg and luxury watch but also more conventional items such as a laptop and credit cards. Metropolitan Police detectives arrested Conticello in Belfast on 26 January, following an extensive investigation.
Conticello admitted to using the stolen credit cards after the theft, adding to the charges against him. Despite his admissions, the whereabouts of the Fabergé egg and watch remain unknown, with police actively pursuing leads to recover these high-value items.
The Significance and Value of Fabergé Eggs
Fabergé eggs are globally recognised as symbols of opulence, crafted by the House of Fabergé, a Russian company founded in 1842. These collectible pieces of jewellery are often encrusted with gemstones and have historical ties to the Russian Romanov dynasty, for whom Peter Carl Fabergé designed 50 imperial Easter eggs between 1885 and 1916.
The stolen egg is part of a collaboration between the Craft Irish Whiskey Company and Fabergé, initiated in 2021 to create a seven-piece whiskey collection celebrating the "seven wonders of Ireland." This particular egg features a pave diamond Celtic knot, symbolising Irish heritage, and contains an uncut Zambian emerald inside.
Modern versions of these eggs continue to be produced, such as the 2024 Malaika Egg, which boasts 4,312 white diamonds, 252 brown diamonds, and 308 rubies. The market value of Fabergé eggs is substantial, as demonstrated by a 112-year-old "winter egg" that sold at auction for a record-breaking £22.9 million in December, highlighting the immense worth of the stolen item.
Ongoing Police Investigation and Recovery Efforts
The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that the search for the missing Fabergé egg and watch is ongoing. These items belong to the Craft Irish Whiskey Company, and their recovery is a priority for investigators. The case underscores the challenges of tracking high-value, unique artefacts in criminal investigations.
As the legal process advances, authorities remain hopeful that further details will emerge regarding the disposition of the stolen treasures. The public and collectors are urged to remain vigilant, as the distinctive nature of the Fabergé egg makes it a conspicuous item that could surface in various markets or locations.
