Thief Gulps Down James Bond-Inspired Locket, Police Waiting For Nature To Take Its Course

Last Updated:December 04, 2025, 19:38 IST

Police said the man was detained before he could leave the premises, but the precious locket has not yet been recovered.

The special edition locket was inspired by the James Bond film Octopussy, which features a plot to steal a rare Faberge egg. (File photo: Getty Images via AFP)

A 32-year-old man in New Zealand’s Auckland has been arrested after allegedly swallowing a diamond-encrusted green Faberge egg from a high-end jewellery store.

The incident took place late last week at a store in the city’s central district. Police said the man was detained before he could leave the premises, but the precious locket has not yet been recovered.

Authorities confirmed on Wednesday that the pendant, valued at around US$20,000, remained inside the suspect. An officer has been assigned to monitor him while waiting for nature to take its course.

“At this stage the pendant has not been recovered," police said in a statement.

The special edition locket was inspired by the James Bond film Octopussy, which features a plot to steal a rare Faberge egg. According to an online description, the exterior of the egg closely follows the design in the film, with an 18k gold lattice set with blue sapphires and white diamonds in a floral pattern. A small golden octopus is nested inside.

Faberge, the Russian jewellery house that gained international fame in the late 19th century, was known for creating opulent Easter eggs decorated with gold and precious gems.

Police said they are treating the incident as a theft. No further details were released, and authorities have not commented on potential charges pending recovery of the locket.

(With inputs from AFP)

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