Police Recover $19,000 Fabergé Pendant After Six-Day Wait

New Zealand Police announced on Friday that they successfully recovered a limited-edition Fabergé pendant valued at $19,000 after monitoring a suspect for six days. The pendant, inspired by the 1983 James Bond film “Octopussy,” was retrieved on Thursday night after it naturally exited the suspect’s gastrointestinal tract.

The pendant, a striking piece featuring a gold exterior painted with green enamel, incorporates 183 diamonds and two sapphires. The egg-shaped pendant, one of only 50 ever made, is 3.3 inches tall and contains an intricate surprise: an 18-carat yellow gold octopus adorned with white diamond suckers and black diamond eyes. The item description highlights its connection to the jewel-smuggling plot central to the “Octopussy” film.

The suspect, a 32-year-old man whose identity has not been released, was arrested on November 28, 2023, inside Partridge Jewelers in Auckland shortly after the alleged theft. He appeared in court the following day but did not enter a plea to the theft charge. Since the incident, he has remained in police custody.

According to Inspector Grae Anderson, police had a duty of care to monitor the suspect continuously, given the unusual circumstances surrounding the case. Officers were stationed around the clock, waiting for the evidence to reemerge. The police released a photo showing a gloved hand holding the recovered pendant, complete with its long gold chain and intact price tag.

The Fabergé pendant had become a focal point of attention not only for its monetary value but also for its unique design and cultural connection to the famous film. The recovery has garnered significant interest from both the public and the media, highlighting the lengths law enforcement will go to secure stolen property.

The suspect is scheduled to appear in Auckland District Court on Monday, where further legal proceedings will take place. Until then, he remains in police custody as authorities continue to investigate the incident.