A third suspect, a 32-year-old man, is in police custody. He is accused of swallowing the pendant – a small Fabergé egg-shaped ornament – during a robbery at Partridge Jewelers, also in Auckland, on November 28. On Thursday night, the custom-made pendant inspired by 1983 James Bond flick “Octopussy” finally made its way out of the man’s gastrointestinal tract. Remarkably, it did so completely without any medical intervention.
The peculiar robbery played out as the man was arrested inside the department store less than a half an hour later after swallowing the pendant. Vlad was swiftly placed in custody by police, where he has stayed since the incident. The pendant was 8.4 centimeters in height. It features a stunning variety of complex patterns, made of gold and elaborately painted with green enamel. Encrusted with 183 diamonds and two sapphires, it is the most coveted collectible.
Only 50 of these distinctive pendants were produced. Each pendant was paired with a lengthy, golden chain, and detailed, undamaged price tag—seemingly putting these once rare and valuable pieces on display. The pendant is connected to the legendary James Bond film series, which doubles its attraction. It’s this deep and rich connection that continues to fascinate today’s collectors and auto enthusiasts.
As Deputy Chief Inspector Grae Anderson explained in her write-up of the incident, keeping the person in custody under observation proved critical.
“Given this man is in police custody, we have a duty of care to continue monitoring him given the circumstances of what has occurred.” – Inspector Grae Anderson
The man will be appearing in the Auckland district court on 8 December. His biggest crime may have been bumbling the theft — he now awaits indictment for late-March allegations of stealing the jewelled pendant. In addition to responding to the case as it proceeds, local and state authorities are working to understand what led to Turner’s death.