In a case of patient policing, authorities in New Zealand have successfully recovered a high-value Fabergé egg pendant that a suspect is accused of swallowing during an alleged theft.
The Unusual Alleged Theft
The incident began on 28 November at Partridge Jewellers in Auckland. Police allege that a 32-year-old man, who has not been named, swallowed the ornate pendant inside the store. He was arrested on the premises just minutes after the alleged crime took place and has remained in police custody since.
A Six-Day Vigil
What followed was an extraordinary six-day operation. Officers were stationed with the man around the clock, monitoring him as they awaited the natural recovery of the crucial piece of evidence. Inspector Grae Anderson stated that police had a "duty of care" to monitor the suspect given the unusual circumstances.
On Thursday night, their patience paid off. The pendant, valued at NZ$33,000 (approximately £16,500 or $19,000 USD), was recovered from the man's gastrointestinal tract through natural means, without any need for medical intervention.
The Valuable Evidence
A photograph released by police shows the recovered item: a gloved hand holding the pendant, which was still attached to its long gold chain with the price tag intact. The piece is a limited-edition Fabergé creation, one of only 50 made, inspired by the 1983 James Bond film Octopussy.
The store's description details an exquisite object: the 8.4cm 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 adorned with white and black diamonds, a homage to the film's antagonist.
The suspect is scheduled to appear in the Auckland District Court on 8 December. He did not enter a plea to a charge of theft during his first court appearance on 29 November. Police confirmed that both the man and the recovered necklace will remain in custody.
