Police Recover $19,000 James Bond-Inspired Faberge Pendant After Thief Swallowed It

The Faberge egg pendant, inspired by the 1983 James Bond film "Octopussy," has been recovered by New Zealand Police after an unusual theft incident.

In Wellington, New Zealand authorities announced Friday that they successfully recovered a stolen James Bond-themed Faberge pendant after monitoring the suspect for six days following his alleged ingestion of the valuable jewelry at an Auckland store.

Officials confirmed the pendant was naturally expelled from the suspect's digestive system on Thursday evening without requiring any medical procedures.

The limited-edition Fabergé creation draws inspiration from "Octopussy," the 1983 James Bond film featuring a counterfeit Fabergé egg central to a jewel-smuggling operation.

New Zealand Police released a rather unglamorous image showing a gloved officer holding the recovered pendant with its long gold chain, the price tag still attached indicating its value of 33,000 New Zealand dollars (approximately $19,000).

Authorities apprehended the suspect inside Partridge Jewelers in Auckland on November 28 immediately after the alleged theft occurred.

Following his court appearance on November 29, where he did not enter a plea to the theft charge, the suspect has remained in police custody with officers maintaining constant surveillance to recover the evidence.

The 32-year-old suspect, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, is scheduled to appear in Auckland District Court on Monday and will remain in custody until then.

Inspector Grae Anderson stated on Wednesday, "Given this man is in Police custody, we have a duty of care to continue monitoring him given the circumstances of what has occurred."

According to the jeweler's website, the egg is one of only 50 crafted worldwide, made from gold, adorned with green enamel, and encrusted with 183 diamonds and two sapphires. The pendant measures 8.4 centimeters (3.3 inches) in height and comes mounted on a display stand.

The product description notes, "The egg opens to reveal an 18ct yellow gold octopus nestled inside, adorned with white diamond suckers and black diamond eyes. The octopus surprise pays homage to the eponymous antagonist at the center of the 'Octopussy' film."