New Zealand Police Recover $19,000 Fabergé Pendant After Six-Day Wait
AUCKLAND, New Zealand — In an unusual recovery operation, New Zealand police successfully retrieved a stolen Fabergé pendant valued at $19,000 after a suspect swallowed the piece during a theft and was monitored for six days until it was naturally passed. The incident unfolded at Partridge Jewelers in downtown Auckland on November 28, when a 32-year-old man allegedly swallowed the rare pendant, modeled after the Fabergé egg featured in the 1983 James Bond film “Octopussy.”
Authorities arrested the man inside the store before he could leave, quickly determining he had ingested the diamond-encrusted locket. Instead of immediate medical intervention, officers opted for continuous surveillance, ensuring the suspect remained in custody while waiting for the pendant to pass naturally. Inspector Grae Anderson emphasized the department’s duty of care during the monitoring period, stating that the police maintained round-the-clock watch over the man given the circumstances.
The limited-edition pendant is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, fashioned from 18-karat gold with green enamel, adorned with 183 diamonds and two sapphires. Measuring approximately 3.3 inches, the locket opens to reveal an intricate 18-carat yellow gold octopus, detailed with white diamond suckers and black diamond eyes, making it a highly coveted collector’s item. Only 50 of these exquisite pieces were produced, adding to its rarity and value.
The suspect appeared in Auckland District Court on November 29 but did not enter a plea to the theft charge. He has remained in custody since the arrest, with officers stationed beside him throughout the six-day wait. He is scheduled to appear again in court on Monday.
This case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces when dealing with stolen high-value items that have been concealed internally by suspects. Similar incidents have prompted police departments worldwide to develop protocols balancing suspect welfare and evidence preservation, often involving medical professionals and continuous monitoring.
For more information on law enforcement procedures and legal frameworks surrounding evidence handling and suspect care, see resources from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Office of Justice Programs. The New Zealand Police’s approach aligns with international standards designed to safeguard both public safety and individual rights.
Jewelry theft remains a significant concern globally, with high-profile cases frequently making headlines. The intricacy and value of items like Fabergé pieces make them targets for thieves, but also complicate recovery efforts. The pendant’s connection to popular culture, inspired by the James Bond film “Octopussy,” adds a unique dimension to this case, drawing attention beyond typical theft reports.
Authorities continue to urge the public to report suspicious activity and support efforts to combat organized crime related to luxury goods. The New Zealand police’s successful recovery of the pendant without resorting to invasive medical procedures demonstrates a careful balance between law enforcement vigilance and humane treatment of suspects.
For updates on this case and other law enforcement news, visit the New Zealand Police website and the Ministry of Justice.
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