Man in New Zealand Swallows Rare Fabergé Pendant During Jewelry Store Theft, Police Recover Item After Days

New Zealand, El Sky News — Police in New Zealand have recovered a rare Fabergé pendant that was swallowed by a man accused of stealing it during a bizarre jewelry store robbery in central Auckland. The suspect, a 32-year-old man, has been charged with theft and remains in custody ahead of his next court appearance.

Unusual Theft at Jewelry Store

The incident took place on 28 November 2025 at Partridge Jewellers, a luxury jewelry retailer located in downtown Auckland. According to New Zealand Police, the suspect allegedly took a limited-edition Fabergé egg-shaped pendant from the store’s display and swallowed it in an attempt to hide the evidence. Police were called to the scene that afternoon and arrested the man inside the store within minutes.

Inspector Grae Anderson of the Auckland central police team confirmed the arrest, noting that the suspect underwent a medical assessment shortly after being detained. Given the circumstances, officers were stationed around the clock to monitor the suspect as they waited for the stolen item to pass naturally from his body.

Valuable Fabergé Pendant and Its History

The pendant, described by the store and police as a James Bond-inspired Fabergé “Octopussy” egg, was valued at approximately NZ$33,000 (about US$19,000). The ornate piece is crafted with an 18-karat gold framework and adorned with 60 white diamonds and 15 blue sapphires, making it both rare and highly prized among collectors.

The design of the pendant pays homage to the classic 1983 James Bond film Octopussy, which revolves around the theft of a Fabergé egg. Fabergé, a renowned jeweler founded in Russia in the late 19th century, became famous for its exquisitely crafted eggs made from precious metals and gemstones, often commissioned by Russian royalty.

Recovery and Police Statement

After six days of continuous observation, police announced on 5 December that the pendant had been recovered naturally from the suspect’s gastrointestinal tract, and no medical intervention was required. The recovered piece, still intact with its precious stones and gold chain, is now in police custody.

A spokesperson for New Zealand Police stated that an officer remained on watch throughout the period to ensure the suspect’s welfare and the eventual retrieval of the item. “Given this man is in police custody, we have a duty of care to continue monitoring him given the circumstances,” the spokesperson said.

Legal Proceedings and Additional Charges

The 32-year-old suspect first appeared in Auckland District Court on 29 November, where he did not enter a plea to the theft charge. In addition to the Fabergé pendant case, court documents indicate that he is also accused of previously stealing an iPad from the same jewelry store on 12 November 2025, as well as minor items from a private address on 13 November. His next scheduled court appearance is set for 8 December 2025.

Context and Community Reaction

The unusual nature of the crime swallowing a valuable piece of jewelry in an attempt to conceal it has drawn attention locally and internationally. Law enforcement officials have underscored the rarity of such cases and emphasized public safety throughout the investigation.

Auckland residents reacted with a mix of amusement and disbelief on social media, with many commenting on the lengths to which the suspect went to try to avoid detection. Still, police stress that unusual tactics do not exempt suspects from legal consequences.

(Lunar)