Man accused of stealing $19k egg pendant by swallowing it

A man from New Zealand has been formally charged with theft after allegedly consuming a diamond-adorned locket in a highly unusual manner. Authorities confirmed that the stolen item, a Faberg egg locket valued at NZ$33,585 (approximately $19,300 or 14,600), has not yet been retrieved.

Police responded to Partridge Jewellers in central Auckland last Friday afternoon, and the 32-year-old suspect was taken into custody within minutes of the incident. He has since undergone a medical evaluation and remains in police custody.

The Faberg locket, known as the Octopussy egg, features 60 white diamonds and 15 blue sapphires, and contains an 18K gold miniature octopus inside. The piece draws inspiration from the 1983 James Bond film Octopussy, which centers around a sophisticated Faberg egg heist. Faberg, established in Russia over 200 years ago, is celebrated worldwide for its exquisite jewel-encrusted eggs.

The suspect is scheduled to appear in court again on 8 December. Reports indicate he is also facing allegations of stealing an iPad from the same store on 12 November, as well as taking cat litter and flea control products worth NZ$100 from a private residence the following day.

Author: Sophia Brooks