Man Arrested After Swallowing $19,000 Pendant

A man has been arrested in New Zealand after allegedly attempting to smuggle a 33,000 New Zealand dollar (equivalent to $19,000) Fabergé pendant from a luxury jewelry store by swallowing it.

The unidentified suspect is accused of eating an ornate Fabergé octopus pendant at Partridge Jewelers in Auckland on November 28, 2025.

In a statement released by Inspector Grae Anderson, police confirmed intense monitoring of the suspect after his arrest. Anderson said:

“At the time of his arrest he underwent a medical assessment, and an officer is assigned to constantly monitor the man,” adding that “At this stage the pendant has not been recovered.”

According to a document viewed by The Guardian, the man was officially charged on November 29th for stealing the Fabergé x 007 Special Edition Octopussy Egg Surprise Locket, valued at $33,585.

Reports state that before committing the theft, the man spent several minutes inside the store before proceeding with the act. The stolen piece is a limited-edition Fabergé egg pendant inspired by the 1983 James Bond film Octopussy, a movie centered around a jewel-smuggling operation involving a counterfeit Fabergé egg.

The store’s official website describes the pendant as one of only 50 pieces ever made, crafted from gold, coated in green enamel, and encrusted with 183 diamonds and two sapphires. The piece stands 8.4 centimeters (3.3 inches) tall and comes mounted on an elegant stand.