Crucial evidence emerges in case of alleged thief who ‘swallowed pendant’

5 Dec 2025 • 5:46 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • New Zealand police have successfully recovered a Fabergé pendant allegedly swallowed by a man in a jewellery store.
  • The item, valued at NZ$33,000 (£14,000), was retrieved through "natural means" on Thursday night after six days of meticulous monitoring, requiring no medical intervention.
  • A 32-year-old man was arrested on 28 November inside Partridge Jewellers in Auckland shortly after reportedly consuming the ornate octopus pendant.
  • The distinctive limited-edition Fabergé egg pendant, inspired by the James Bond film Octopussy, is crafted from gold, green enamel, diamonds, and sapphires.
  • The man remains in police custody, charged with theft, and is due to appear in Auckland District Court on 8 December, having made a first appearance on 29 November.

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