Auckland, New zealand – A 32-year-old man accused of stealing a $19,000 Fabergé pendant from a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand, has had the evidence naturally returned after allegedly swallowing the item. Police confirmed the limited-edition pendant, inspired by the 1983 James Bond film “octopussy,” was recovered Thursday night.
The theft occurred November 28 at Partridge Jewelers, prompting an unusual period of around-the-clock monitoring of the suspect while in police custody. Authorities had been stationed with the man, awaiting the pendant’s eventual passage. The incident highlights the lengths to which individuals will go to conceal stolen property and the logistical challenges faced by law enforcement in such cases. The man is scheduled to appear in Auckland district Court on Monday and remains in custody.
The pendant, one of only 50 created, is crafted from gold, painted with green enamel, and adorned with 183 diamonds and two sapphires. It depicts an octopus inside, a direct reference to the jewel-smuggling plot in “Octopussy,” where a fake Fabergé egg plays a central role. The recovered item, measuring 8.4 centimeters (3.3 inches) tall, still had its price tag attached, confirming its 33,000 New Zealand dollar value.
The suspect was arrested shortly after the alleged theft and appeared in court november 29, without entering a plea. Inspector grae Anderson stated, “Given this man is in Police custody, we have a duty of care to continue monitoring him given the circumstances of what has occurred.” The man’s name has not been released to the public.
