Police in New Zealand have successfully recovered a high-value, James Bond-inspired Fabergé pendant after a suspect allegedly swallowed it during a theft, with the item finally emerging through natural means.
The Unusual Theft and Arrest
The incident began on 28 November at Partridge Jewellers in Auckland. A 32-year-old man, who has not been named publicly, is accused of swallowing an ornate jewelled octopus pendant valued at 33,000 New Zealand dollars (approximately £19,000 or $19,000 USD). He was arrested inside the store just minutes after the alleged theft and has remained in police custody since.
A Six-Day Vigil for Evidence
For six days following the arrest, officers maintained a round-the-clock watch on the suspect, monitoring his condition and waiting for the evidence to pass through his system. Inspector Grae Anderson stated that due to the man being in custody, police had a duty of care to monitor him given the unusual circumstances.
Their patience was rewarded on Thursday night (4 December 2025), when the pendant was recovered from the man's gastrointestinal tract naturally, without the need for medical intervention. A police spokesperson confirmed the recovery, adding that both the man and the necklace would remain in custody.
The Luxurious Loot: A 007-Inspired Treasure
The stolen item was no ordinary piece of jewellery. It was a limited-edition Fabergé egg pendant, one of only 50 made, inspired by the 1983 James Bond film ‘Octopussy’—a film whose plot revolves around a jewel-smuggling operation involving a fake Fabergé egg.
According to the store's description, the 8.4cm tall pendant is crafted from gold, painted with green enamel, and encrusted with 183 diamonds and two sapphires. It opens to reveal a surprise: an 18-carat yellow gold octopus inside, adorned with white diamond suckers and black diamond eyes, paying homage to the film's antagonist.
A photograph released by police showed the recovered pendant, still attached to its long gold chain with price tag intact, held in a gloved hand.
Next Steps in the Case
The accused man made an initial court appearance on 29 November but did not enter a plea to a charge of theft. He is next due to appear at the Auckland District Court on 8 December.
