New Zealand police have recovered a $19,000 Fabergé egg after a man attempted to hide the valuable item by swallowing it during a botched theft. According to investigators, the suspect allegedly stole the decorative egg from a private collection before trying to evade capture by ingesting it. The unusual tactic quickly backfired, leading to his hospitalization under police supervision.
Doctors carried out imaging tests to confirm the object’s location, and authorities waited for the egg to pass naturally to avoid causing internal injury. Despite concerns about potential damage, the Fabergé egg was retrieved intact, surprising both medical staff and police officers. The recovered piece has since been returned to its rightful owner.
Police say the incident highlights the extreme lengths some individuals go to when attempting to conceal stolen goods. They also noted that the suspect is expected to face multiple charges, including theft and obstruction. Meanwhile, art experts emphasized the cultural and monetary value of such items, stressing the importance of proper security for collectible artifacts.
The Fabergé egg recovery has sparked widespread curiosity, adding an unusual chapter to New Zealand’s record of art-related crime.
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