Met on Fabergé egg hunt after items worth £2m poached from Soho pub

The Guardian World

by Rachel Hall

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

A man named Enzo Conticello has admitted to stealing a Fabergé egg and a luxury watch worth £2 million from a handbag in a Soho pub in London. The Metropolitan Police are still working to recover these unique items, which were taken alongside more conventional loot such as a laptop and credit cards. Conticello was arrested in Belfast on January 26, 2024, after the theft occurred at a West End pub in November of the same year. This unusual pickpocketing case has captured attention due to the extraordinary value and historical significance of the Fabergé egg. The egg, along with the watch, were stolen from Rosie Dawson, director of premium brands at the Craft Irish Whiskey Company. While police have identified Conticello as the thief, they are still investigating what he did with the items and whether there may be a larger conspiracy or network involved. The theft highlights the growing concern over high-value thefts in London’s luxury districts, particularly targeting items of historical or cultural importance. The Fabergé egg, known for its intricate craftsmanship and rarity, could potentially have diplomatic implications if it was a gift from another country, as many such eggs were exchanged between nations in the past. This case also underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in recovering stolen goods, especially when dealing with items that may be sold on the black market or hidden across international borders. The ongoing investigation reflects the complexity of modern-day thefts involving high-value and unique artifacts, which often require meticulous detective work to resolve. Ultimately, this story matters because it sheds light on the intersection of crime, luxury markets, and cultural heritage. It raises questions about security

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/25/2026