New Zealand police have arrested a thief after stealing and swallowing a James Bond-inspired Fabergé pendant worth almost $19,000 (€16,300).
After monitoring the 32-year-old suspect’s bowel movements for six days, police said the limited-edition Faberge egg was recovered late Thursday night.
Police said the jewelery piece came out of the thief’s body naturally without any medical intervention.
He also provided a photograph of the recovered pendant and the attached price tag, which remained intact despite passing through the thief’s digestive system.
Inspector Grace Anderson said police would continue to monitor the man.
“This man is in police custody, given the circumstances of what has happened, it is our duty to keep a watch on him,” he said.
Faberge egg one of 50
The egg was inspired by the 1983 film “Octopussy” starring Roger Moore.
An online description of the pendant highlights its “beautiful 18k gold latticework frame, delicately set with blue sapphires and white diamonds in a floral-like design.”
Only 50 such eggs were made. The egg in question was snatched during a robbery at a jewelery store in Auckland.
Easter eggs decorated with gold and gems became famous around the world in the late 19th century.
Edited by: Zack Crellin