Full Breakdown
New Zealand Police Recover Stolen Fabergé Pendant After Unusual Theft
12/5/2025, 8:36:37 PM
Incident Overview: Theft and Recovery of the Fabergé Pendant
On November 28, 2025, a 32-year-old man was arrested at Partridge Jewelers in Auckland, New Zealand, after allegedly stealing a limited-edition Fabergé pendant valued at approximately $19,000. The pendant, inspired by the 1983 James Bond film "Octopussy," features intricate designs and is one of only 50 made. Following his arrest, the suspect reportedly swallowed the pendant in an attempt to conceal the evidence. New Zealand police monitored the suspect for six days until the pendant was naturally expelled from his body without medical intervention, with recovery confirmed on December 5.
Details of the Pendant
The Fabergé pendant, known as the "Octopussy Egg Surprise Locket," is crafted from 18-karat yellow gold and adorned with green guilloché enamel, 60 white diamonds, and 15 blue sapphires. When opened, it reveals a miniature octopus made of 18-karat gold, complete with black diamond eyes. The pendant measures 3.3 inches tall and is mounted on a stand, retaining its price tag throughout the unusual recovery process.
Police Monitoring and Recovery Process
After the suspect's arrest, police assigned an officer to monitor him continuously, as stated by Inspector Grae Anderson. "Given this man is in Police custody, we have a duty of care to continue monitoring him given the circumstances of what has occurred," Anderson noted. The pendant was recovered intact, showcasing the effectiveness of the police's unusual approach to the situation.
Court Proceedings
The suspect made a court appearance on November 29 but did not enter a plea. He remains in custody and is scheduled to appear again in Auckland District Court on December 8. The police have not publicly named the suspect, and further details regarding potential charges are expected to be clarified during the upcoming court session.
Criticism & Opposition
While the police's actions have been largely viewed as necessary given the circumstances, some critics have raised concerns about the appropriateness of monitoring a suspect in such a manner. Questions have been raised regarding the resources allocated to this case, particularly in light of the unusual nature of the theft and recovery process.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Police can confirm the pendant was recovered,” — New Zealand Police Statement
- “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 Grae Anderson
What's Next
As the suspect prepares for his next court appearance, the case has attracted significant media attention, not only for the value of the stolen item but also for the bizarre circumstances surrounding its theft and recovery. The outcome of the court proceedings may set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.
