A New Zealand man has been charged with theft after allegedly swallowing a Fabergé egg medallion worth US$19,200 (C$26,780).
This delicate jewel, known as the James Bond Octopussy Egg, is made of 18-karat yellow gold, decorated with green guilloché enamel and encrusted with 60 white diamonds and 15 blue sapphires. Once opened, it reveals a miniature octopus in 18-karat gold, according to the Fabergé website.
Evidence of the alleged theft has not yet been discovered, police said Wednesday.
“At the time of his arrest, he underwent a medical assessment and an officer is assigned to constantly monitor the man,” said Insp. » Grae Anderson said in a statement. “At this point, the pendant has not been found,” she said, the Associated Press reported.
The man was arrested inside the store minutes after the alleged theft. He appeared in the Auckland District Court on November 29, where he pleaded no contest to theft.
The alleged loot was a limited edition pendant inspired by the 1983 James Bond film, Octopus. At the heart of the film’s plot is a jewelry smuggling operation involving a fake Fabergé egg.
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“Given that this man is in custody, we have a duty to continue to monitor him, given the circumstances of what happened,” Anderson said.
The suspect is due to appear in court again on December 8.
The alleged theft comes a day after a rare crystal and diamond Fabergé egg, made for the Russian ruling family before its overthrow by revolution, was sold at auction for 22.9 million pounds ($30.2 million US, $42.3 million Canadian).
The Fabergé Winter Egg went on display at Christie’s auction rooms in London on November 27, 2025 and sold for 22.9 million pounds ($30.2 million US, $42.3 million Canadian) on December 2.
AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth
The four-inch (10 centimeter) tall egg is made from intricately carved rock crystal, covered with a delicate snowflake motif worked in platinum and 4,500 tiny diamonds. It opens to reveal a small removable basket filled with jeweled quartz flowers symbolizing spring.
Artisan Peter Carl Fabergé and his company created more than 50 eggs for the Russian Imperial Family between 1885 and 1917, each one unique and containing a hidden surprise. Tsar Alexander III started the tradition by giving his wife an egg every Easter. His successor, Nicholas II, extended this gift to his wife and mother.
— With files from The Associated Press
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