Police in New Zealand are in a unique waiting game after a brazen theft at a high-end Auckland jewelry store. Authorities are monitoring a 32-year-old man who allegedly attempted to smuggle a limited-edition Fabergé pendant valued at 33,000 New Zealand dollars (approximately $19,000 USD) by swallowing it.
The Alleged Theft and Arrest
The incident occurred on November 28 at Partridge Jewelers in Auckland. According to police, the man is accused of consuming an ornate Fabergé octopus pendant. He was arrested inside the store just minutes after the alleged theft took place.
Inspector Grae Anderson stated that the man underwent an immediate medical assessment upon arrest. "An officer is assigned to constantly monitor the man," Anderson said in a statement. As of Wednesday, the pendant has not been recovered. The accused appeared in the Auckland District Court on November 29, where he did not enter a plea to a charge of theft.
A Pendant Inspired by James Bond
The alleged loot is no ordinary piece of jewelry. It is a limited-edition Fabergé egg pendant inspired by the 1983 James Bond film Octopussy, which famously features a jewel-smuggling plot involving a fake Fabergé egg. Only 50 of these pendants have been made.
According to the store's description, the 8.4-centimeter (3.3-inch) tall egg 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. This "octopus surprise" directly references the film's antagonist.
Police Duty of Care and Next Steps
The situation presents an unusual challenge for law enforcement. Inspector Anderson emphasized the police's responsibility, stating, "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 recovery of the pendant now depends on natural processes. The accused man is scheduled to appear in court again on December 8. For now, police and the courts must wait for nature to take its course in this highly unusual case of alleged theft.
