In a bizarre incident that sounds like a plot from a movie, a man in New Zealand attempted to steal a high-value jewel by swallowing it. Police have now confirmed that the diamond-studded Fabergé egg locket, valued at a staggering NZ$33,585 (approximately $19,300), has been successfully recovered.
The Audacious Auckland Heist
The unusual event unfolded about a week ago at Partridge Jewellers in central Auckland. Authorities arrested a 32-year-old man just minutes after he allegedly consumed the precious locket in a desperate attempt to conceal the evidence. According to the jeweller's website, the ingested item was no ordinary piece; it was set with 60 white diamonds and 15 blue sapphires and opened to reveal a miniature 18-carat gold octopus.
A "Natural" Recovery and Police Custody
New Zealand police provided an update, stating the loot was recovered in a "natural" manner. They explicitly noted that "medical intervention was not required" for the retrieval process. Following his arrest, the suspect underwent a medical assessment and was placed under constant monitoring by the police. "Given this man is in police custody, we have a duty of care to continue monitoring him given the circumstances of what has occurred," a police statement explained earlier this week.
The unique locket, named the "Octopussy" egg, draws its inspiration from the 1983 James Bond film of the same name, which famously revolves around a complex Fabergé egg theft. Fabergé is a world-renowned jewellery house founded in Russia over two centuries ago, celebrated for its exquisite eggs crafted from gems and precious metals. Reports from Radio NZ indicate that the locket will be returned to Fabergé.
Additional Charges and Court Date
The man now faces a charge of theft for this incident. However, charge sheets reviewed by the BBC reveal this was not his only alleged offence. He has also been charged with stealing an iPad from the same jewellery store on 12 November. Furthermore, he is accused of making away with cat litter and flea control products worth NZ$100 from a private address the very next day. The suspect is scheduled to appear in court again on 8 December to answer to these charges.
