New Zealand Police successfully recovered a limited-edition Fabergé pendant valued at $19,000 after a six-day observation of the man accused of swallowing it. The pendant, inspired by the 1983 James Bond film “Octopussy,” was retrieved on the evening of November 30, 2023, after it naturally exited the suspect’s gastrointestinal tract without requiring medical assistance.
The pendant, a replica of a Fabergé egg, features intricate craftsmanship that includes 183 diamonds and two sapphires. A photograph released by the New Zealand Police shows a gloved hand holding the recovered piece, complete with its long gold chain and an intact price tag. The egg itself stands 3.3 inches tall and opens to reveal a yellow gold octopus adorned with white diamond suckers and black diamond eyes.
Details of the Incident
The incident began on November 28, 2023, when police arrested the 32-year-old suspect inside Partridge Jewelers in Auckland shortly after the alleged theft. The man made a court appearance the following day, on November 29, where he did not enter a plea on the charge of theft. Since his arrest, he has remained in police custody, with officers monitoring him around the clock to recover the stolen item.
“Given this man is in Police custody, we have a duty of care to continue monitoring him given the circumstances of what has occurred,” stated Inspector Grae Anderson in a recent announcement.
Police confirmed that the pendant, one of only 50 made, is crafted from gold and painted with green enamel. The octopus within the egg serves as a nod to the film’s antagonist, highlighting the unique connection between the jewelry and its cinematic inspiration.
Legal Proceedings Ahead
The suspect is scheduled to appear again in the Auckland District Court on December 4, 2023. He will remain in custody until that hearing, as the police continue their investigation into the theft. The case has garnered significant public interest, not only due to the item’s value but also because of its intriguing connection to popular culture.
This unusual recovery process highlights the lengths law enforcement will go to secure evidence in theft cases, particularly when the stolen item holds considerable monetary and cultural significance. The successful retrieval of the pendant has been met with relief from the jewelry store and the police department alike.
