Auckland authorities have apprehended a 32-year-old man following an extraordinary theft incident where the suspect allegedly swallowed a diamond-encrusted Fabergé locket valued at NZ$33,585 (approximately $19,300). The remarkable event unfolded last Friday afternoon at Partridge Jewellers in central Auckland, where police responded promptly and made an arrest within minutes of the reported theft.
The precious item, known as the ‘Octopussy egg’ inspired by the 1983 James Bond film, remains unrecovered within the suspect’s digestive system. According to the jeweler’s specifications, the artifact features 60 white diamonds and 15 blue sapphires, concealing an intricate 18K gold miniature octopus within its design.
Following medical evaluation, the accused remains in custody facing charges related to this unusual crime. The suspect’s court appearance is scheduled for December 8, where additional charges will be addressed concerning previous incidents. These include the alleged theft of an iPad from the same establishment on November 12, along with separate charges involving the theft of cat litter and flea control products valued at NZ$100 from a private residence the following day.
Fabergé, the renowned jewelry house founded in Russia over two centuries ago, continues to produce some of the world’s most exquisite and valuable decorative objects, with their gem-studded eggs remaining particularly coveted among collectors worldwide.