New Zealand man accused of eating Faberge pendant inspired by Bond movie as police wait for evidence

New Zealand police are currently monitoring a 32-year-old man who allegedly swallowed a valuable Fabergé pendant worth NZ$33,000 (US$19,000) from an Auckland jewelry store, as they wait for the evidence to naturally emerge.

The incident occurred on November 28 at Partridge Jewelers, a high-end retailer in Auckland’s central business district. According to police, the man allegedly ingested an ornate octopus pendant while in the store, prompting immediate action from staff and authorities.

“At the time of his arrest he underwent a medical assessment, and an officer is assigned to constantly monitor the man,” said Inspector Grae Anderson in a statement released Wednesday. “At this stage the pendant has not been recovered.”

The suspect was apprehended inside the premises minutes after the alleged theft. He made his first appearance at the Auckland District Court on November 29, where he did not enter a plea to the theft charge. He remains in police custody with a follow-up court appearance scheduled for December 8.

The pendant itself carries particular significance beyond its monetary value. It’s part of a limited-edition collection by Fabergé, the renowned luxury jewelry house with historical connections to the Russian imperial family. The piece was inspired by the 1983 James Bond film “Octopussy,” in which a fake Fabergé egg plays a central role in a jewel-smuggling operation – creating an ironic parallel to the current alleged theft.

According to the jeweler’s website, the pendant is one of only 50 ever produced. The exquisite piece is crafted from gold, painted with green enamel, and features 183 diamonds and two sapphires. It measures 8.4 centimeters (3.3 inches) tall and comes mounted on a decorative stand.

“The egg opens to reveal an 18ct yellow gold octopus nestled inside, adorned with white diamond suckers and black diamond eyes,” the store’s description explains. “The octopus surprise pays homage to the eponymous antagonist at the centre of the Octopussy film.”

This type of theft presents unusual challenges for law enforcement. While retail theft is common, swallowing valuable items creates both health and evidentiary complications. Police must balance their investigative duties with their responsibility for the suspect’s wellbeing.

“Given this man is in Police custody, we have a duty of care to continue monitoring him given the circumstances of what has occurred,” Inspector Anderson noted.

The incident highlights the ongoing issue of luxury retail theft, which continues to be a concern for high-end jewelers worldwide. Partridge Jewelers, established in 1864, is one of New Zealand’s oldest and most prestigious jewelry retailers, specializing in luxury timepieces and fine jewelry.

Fabergé items are particularly sought after by collectors due to their craftsmanship, historical significance, and rarity. The company gained fame in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for creating elaborate jeweled eggs for the Russian imperial family. Today, authentic Fabergé pieces command premium prices at auctions and in the luxury retail market.

New Zealand authorities have not released further details about the suspect or potential motives. The unusual nature of the theft has attracted international attention, with police now playing a waiting game for the evidence to resurface naturally.

In the meantime, the suspect remains under close medical supervision as both the legal process and digestive process take their course.