WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) – In a bizarre incident in Auckland, New Zealand, a 32-year-old man is accused of attempting to steal a valuable Fabergé octopus pendant valued at 33,000 New Zealand dollars (approximately $19,000) by swallowing it. The event unfolded on November 28, 2023, at Partridge Jewelers, where the man allegedly consumed the ornate piece of jewelry in an effort to elude law enforcement.
Authorities reported that as of Wednesday, there has been no tangible evidence confirming the act of theft. Inspector Grae Anderson stated, "At the time of his arrest, he underwent a medical assessment, and an officer is assigned to constantly monitor the man." Despite being apprehended shortly after the incident, the pendant has not yet been recovered.
The accused was taken into custody within minutes of the alleged theft and subsequently appeared at the Auckland District Court on November 29, where he chose not to enter a plea regarding the theft charge. The theft is particularly notable as the pendant in question is a limited-edition piece inspired by the James Bond film "Octopussy," which features a subplot involving a jewel-smuggling operation centered around a counterfeit Fabergé egg.
The store’s website describes the pendant as one of only 50 made, crafted from gold and adorned with green enamel, 183 diamonds, and two sapphires. The piece stands at 8.4 centimeters (3.3 inches) tall and is presented on a stand. It is designed to open, revealing an 18-carat yellow gold octopus embellished with white diamond suckers and black diamond eyes. According to the description, the octopus serves as a nod to the antagonist featured prominently in "Octopussy."
The peculiar method of theft has prompted police to monitor the accused individual's condition closely, as the unfolding situation hinges on the natural processes of digestion. Anderson emphasized the police's responsibility, stating, "Given this man is in Police custody, we have a duty of care to continue monitoring him given the circumstances of what has occurred."
The man is set to reappear in court on December 8, 2023. As the case progresses, the public remains curious about the fate of the swallowed pendant, leaving questions about the methods of theft and the lengths to which individuals will go to obtain luxury items.
