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A 32-year-old man in New Zealand is accused of swallowing a $19,000 Fabergé pendant inspired by the James Bond film Octopussy in an alleged theft at Partridge Jewelers in Auckland on November 28. The pendant, valued at 33,000 New Zealand dollars, has not yet been recovered, and police are waiting for nature to take its course.
The ornate pendant, known as the Octopussy egg, is crafted from gold, adorned with green enamel, and encrusted with 60 white diamonds and 15 blue sapphires. It opens to reveal an 18-carat gold miniature octopus. Only 50 of these limited-edition pieces exist, making it a rare and valuable item.
According to BBC News, the man was arrested inside the store shortly after the alleged theft. He has undergone a medical assessment and remains in custody. Inspector Grae Anderson stated that an officer is monitoring the man continuously.
The accused is also facing charges for allegedly stealing an iPad from the same jewelry store on November 12 and cat litter and flea control products from a private address on November 13. He is scheduled to appear in court again on December 8.
The incident has drawn comparisons to the film Octopussy, where a Fabergé egg is central to a jewel-smuggling plot.