A man in New Zealand is facing theft charges after authorities allege he swallowed an expensive Fabergé egg locket during a daring incident at a jewellery shop in central Auckland.
Police say they were called to Partridge Jewellers last Friday afternoon, where the 32-year-old suspect was arrested just minutes after the alarm was raised. He later underwent a medical examination and remains in police custody as investigations continue.
According to officials, the missing item is a rare Fabergé egg pendant valued at about 33,500 New Zealand dollars, roughly 19,300 US dollars. The unique piece is decorated with 60 white diamonds and 15 blue sapphires and contains an 18-carat gold miniature octopus inside. The design, nicknamed the Octopussy egg, draws inspiration from the 1983 James Bond film built around a high-stakes Fabergé egg heist.
Police say the locket has not yet been recovered.
Fabergé, a brand founded more than 200 years ago in Russia, is known worldwide for its luxurious gem-encrusted eggs and high-end jewellery pieces.
The suspect is expected to appear in court again on 8 December. Local reports also indicate that he faces additional charges, including allegedly stealing an iPad from the same store weeks earlier, as well as taking pet supplies worth around 100 dollars from a private home the following day.