Man admits stealing Fabergé egg and watch worth £2m in London
BBC World
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A man has admitted to stealing a handbag containing a Fabergé egg and a watch valued at over £2 million in central London. Enzo Conticello, also known as Hakin Boudjenoune, stole the items from a victim in Soho on 7 November 2024. The handbag also included a laptop and credit cards, which Conticello used to make purchases at local supermarkets. Despite efforts by authorities, the Fabergé egg remains missing. Conticello pleaded guilty to theft and three charges of fraud by misrepresentation, with his next court appearance set for 6 March.
The Fabergé egg is part of a renowned collection of jewelled eggs created by the Russian firm Fabergé over two centuries ago. These eggs are celebrated for their intricate craftsmanship using gems and precious metals. The case has raised questions about how Conticello acquired such high-value items and what he intended to do with them. Judge Martin Griffiths remarked on the unexpected discovery of the egg, suggesting that its fate remains a mystery.
This case highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in recovering stolen luxury items and the lengths criminals will go to exploit valuable assets. The use of stolen credit cards for everyday purchases adds another layer of complexity to the investigation. As the court continues to probe into Conticello's actions, the international community remains intrigued by the potential unraveling of this high-stakes theft.
The incident underscores the importance of safeguarding rare and valuable artifacts, particularly in urban areas with high levels of tourism and luxury shopping. The Fabergé egg, a symbol of artistic and historical significance, now serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of theft and the lengths to which criminals may go to conceal their loot. This case also sheds light on the broader issue of art and antiquity thefts, which remain a significant concern globally.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/24/2026