New Zealand police have recovered a Fabergé egg pendant from a 32-year-old man who allegedly swallowed the item in a jewellery store in Auckland. The pendant, valued at NZ$33,000 ($19,000), was retrieved from the man's gastrointestinal tract on Thursday night without medical intervention, six days after the alleged incident.
The man, who has not been named, was arrested at Partridge Jewelers on 28 November shortly after the alleged theft. He has been in custody since, and police officers have been monitoring him around the clock to wait for the evidence to emerge. Inspector Grae Anderson said in a statement on Wednesday: 'Given this man is in police custody, we have a duty of care to continue monitoring him given the circumstances of what has occurred.'
A photo released by police on Friday showed a gloved hand holding the recovered pendant, still attached to a long gold chain with an intact price tag. A police spokesperson confirmed that both the necklace and the man remain in police custody.
The pendant is a limited-edition Fabergé egg inspired by the 1983 James Bond film Octopussy. According to the store's website, the egg is one of only 50 made, crafted from gold, painted with green enamel, and encrusted with 183 diamonds and two sapphires. It stands 8.4cm tall and is mounted on a stand. The egg opens to reveal an 18-carat yellow gold octopus with diamond suckers and eyes, paying homage to the film's antagonist.
The suspect is due to appear in the Auckland District Court on 8 December. At his first appearance on 29 November, he did not enter a plea to a charge of theft.
