WELLINGTON – Authorities in New Zealand are adopting a wait-and-see approach after a man reportedly attempted to sneak a $19,000 pendant out of a jewelry store by swallowing it.
The 32-year-old, whose identity remains undisclosed, is accused of ingesting a lavish Fabergé octopus pendant at Partridge Jewelers in Auckland on November 28.
As of Wednesday, police have not yet located the supposed evidence of this unusual theft.
“Following his arrest, he was medically evaluated, and an officer is tasked with keeping a continuous watch over him,” stated Inspector Grae Anderson. “Currently, the pendant has not been retrieved.”
The suspect was apprehended inside the store shortly after the incident. On November 29, he appeared in the Auckland District Court but did not respond to the theft charge.
The pendant in question is a limited-edition Fabergé egg piece, taking inspiration from the 1983 James Bond movie “Octopussy,” which revolves around a jewel-smuggling scheme featuring a counterfeit Fabergé egg.
The store’s website says the egg, only 50 of which have been made, is crafted from gold, painted with green enamel and encrusted with 183 diamonds and two sapphires. The pendant is 8.4 centimeters (3.3 inches) tall and is mounted on a stand.
“The egg opens to reveal an 18ct yellow gold octopus nestled inside, adorned with white diamond suckers and black diamond eyes,” an item description said. “The octopus surprise pays homage to the eponymous antagonist at the centre of the Octopussy film.”
Time and digestion will tell if another octopus surprise is forthcoming.
“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 said.
The accused man is due to appear in court again Dec. 8.
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