New Zealand Police Await Recovery of $19K Swallowed Bond Egg

A 32-year-old man is under constant police watch in New Zealand. He is accused of swallowing a $19,000 jewel. The alleged theft happened at an Auckland store on November 28.

The item is a rare Fabergé pendant. It is inspired by the James Bond film “Octopussy.” Authorities are now waiting for the man to pass the item naturally.

Details of the High-Stakes Theft

The incident occurred at Partridge Jewelers. According to Euro News, the man allegedly swallowed the pendant inside the store. He was arrested just minutes later.

Court documents show he appeared in Auckland District Court on November 29. He did not enter a plea to the theft charge. His next court date is set for December 8.

Inspector Grae Anderson confirmed the situation. He stated the man received an immediate medical assessment. An officer is assigned to monitor him constantly.

“At this stage the pendant has not been recovered,” Anderson said. The police have a duty of care due to the unusual circumstances.

The Value and Significance of the Jewel

The swallowed item is a limited-edition Fabergé “Octopussy” egg pendant. Only 50 pieces were crafted. Its value is approximately 33,000 New Zealand dollars.

The piece is set with 60 white diamonds and 15 blue sapphires. It opens to reveal an 18-carat gold octopus inside. The octopus has white diamond suckers and black diamond eyes.

The design directly references the 1983 Bond film. The movie’s plot involves a jewel-smuggling operation using a fake Fabergé egg. This real-world incident mirrors that fictional intrigue.

The store’s website describes it as a homage to the film’s antagonist. The pendant’s high value and unique story make it a notable collector’s item.

This unusual case highlights extraordinary police procedure. The recovery of the swallowed Bond egg now depends entirely on a natural biological process. Authorities remain on a unique watch until the valuable item is safely retrieved.

Info at your fingertips

What exactly did the man swallow?

He is accused of swallowing a limited-edition Fabergé pendant. It is an “Octopussy” egg design worth about $19,000. The piece is encrusted with diamonds and sapphires.

How are the police handling this?

Police have an officer constantly monitoring the man in custody. This is due to their duty of care after he ingested the object. They are waiting for the pendant to pass through his system naturally.

Has the jewel been recovered yet?

As of the latest reports, the pendant has not been recovered. Inspector Grae Anderson confirmed this detail. The process is ongoing.

What are the health risks of swallowing a jewel?

Swallowing a large, hard object poses serious internal injury risks. It can cause blockages, tears, or poisoning depending on materials. That is why police ensured an immediate medical assessment.

What happens after the item is recovered?

Once recovered, the pendant will be crucial evidence in the theft case. It will undergo forensic examination. Its condition will be assessed for damage and value.

Trusted Sources: Euro News, New Zealand Police, Auckland District Court records, Fabergé official descriptions.