Man Admits Stealing Fabergé Egg and Luxury Watch Worth More Than £2 Million

A 29 year old man has admitted stealing a handbag containing a rare Fabergé egg and a luxury watch believed to be worth more than £2 million in total.

Enzo Conticello, who is of no fixed address and is also known as Hakin Boudjenoune, pleaded guilty at Southwark Crown Court to theft and three counts of fraud by misrepresentation. The court heard that the items were taken during an incident in Soho, central London, on 7 November 2024.

According to prosecutors, the victim’s handbag contained the high value Fabergé egg, an expensive watch, a laptop and several credit cards. After the theft, Conticello used the stolen cards to purchase cigarettes and other goods at supermarkets in the Soho area.

The court was told that while some of the stolen property was recovered, the Fabergé egg has not been located. Its current whereabouts remain unknown.

Fabergé is internationally renowned for producing intricate jeweled eggs and luxury items crafted from precious metals and gemstones. Founded in Russia in the 19th century, the brand became famous for its elaborate Imperial Easter eggs commissioned by Russian royalty. Today, authentic Fabergé pieces are considered highly valuable collectors’ items.

During the hearing, Judge Martin Griffiths addressed Conticello after he entered his guilty pleas. The judge remarked that it was likely the defendant did not initially realise the true value of the egg at the time of the theft. He indicated that further details about what happened to the missing item may emerge during sentencing.

The prosecution outlined how the fraud offences were carried out, explaining that the defendant used the stolen credit cards shortly after the theft, making multiple transactions before the cards were blocked. These purchases formed the basis of the additional charges of fraud by misrepresentation.

Conticello has been remanded in custody and is due to return to Southwark Crown Court for sentencing on 6 March. The court will consider the high value of the stolen items, the impact on the victim and the outstanding issue of the missing Fabergé egg.

The case has drawn attention due to the extraordinary value and rarity of the stolen property. Luxury items such as Fabergé eggs are rarely involved in street level theft cases, making the incident particularly unusual for central London.

Police investigations into the missing egg are ongoing, and authorities have not confirmed whether they believe it was sold, concealed or otherwise disposed of following the theft.