In an unusual case of evidence recovery, New Zealand police have successfully reclaimed a high-value Fabergé pendant, allegedly swallowed by a suspect, following a meticulous six-day surveillance operation.
The Unusual Theft and Immediate Arrest
A 32-year-old man was arrested inside Partridge Jewellers in Auckland on 28 November, mere minutes after he was reported to have consumed an ornate, jewelled pendant. The man, whose identity remains suppressed, has been held in police custody since that date. He made an initial court appearance at the Auckland District Court on 29 November but did not enter a plea to a charge of theft.
A Patient Six-Day Police Operation
Officers were then tasked with a round-the-clock monitoring duty, waiting for the NZ$33,000 (approximately £14,000) pendant to re-emerge. Inspector Grae Anderson explained the necessity of the vigil in a statement, citing the police's duty of care towards the man in custody given the extraordinary circumstances.
The vigil concluded successfully on Thursday night when the item was recovered. A police spokesperson confirmed the retrieval was achieved through "natural means," with no medical intervention required.
The Distinctive Octopussy-Inspired Jewellery
The stolen item was no ordinary piece. It is a limited-edition Fabergé egg pendant, one of only 50 ever made, directly inspired by the 1983 James Bond film Octopussy. The film's plot famously involves a jewel-smuggling operation centred on 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.
Photographs released by police showed the recovered pendant, still on its long gold chain with the price tag attached, held in a gloved hand. Both the necklace and the man remain in police custody. The accused is scheduled to appear again at the Auckland District Court on 8 December.
