Metropolitan Police are continuing their search for a bespoke Fabergé egg and gold watch worth over £2.1 million after the convicted thief who stole them refused to disclose their whereabouts despite receiving a prison sentence.
Enzo Conticello, 29, was jailed for two years and three months at Southwark Crown Court today after admitting theft and three fraud counts related to the 7 November 2024 Soho pub theft, though the valuable items remain missing.
Detective Constable Arben Morina confirmed: “The defendant never explained to the police what he did with the expensive jewellery. Our investigation to find the egg and the watch is ongoing and we’d urge anyone with information to contact us.”
The stolen treasures—valued at least $2.8 million (£2.1 million)—belonged to the Craft Irish Whiskey Company, which had collaborated with Fabergé creating seven bespoke eggs as part of an exclusive whiskey collection, each decorated with unique gemstones surrounded by diamond Celtic knots.
An employee carrying the items in a handbag became Conticello’s unfortunate victim after stopping for a drink following an event where the pieces had been displayed earlier that day.
CCTV footage captured Conticello—also known as Hakin Boudjenoune and of no fixed address—stealing the bag minutes after attempting to take another rucksack, before using credit cards from the handbag purchasing cigarettes and other goods.
The judge remarked during sentencing: “I expect it was probably quite a surprise to you when you discovered that egg.”
Conticello evaded capture for 12 months until Belfast police detained him over a separate theft committed under a different alias, with Met detectives subsequently arresting him for the London incident.
He pleaded guilty in February this year to the charges stemming from the Soho theft.
Authorities arrested a 25-year-old man in November 2024 on suspicion of handling stolen goods after the whiskey company was approached regarding the items’ valuation, though investigators took no further action following evidence review.
The Craft Irish Whiskey Company’s collaboration with the legendary Russian jeweller Fabergé produced the limited collection combining artisan spirits with exquisite craftsmanship, with each egg representing a unique piece in the exclusive series.
The missing laptop also taken during the theft pales in value compared to the irreplaceable Fabergé pieces and accompanying gold timepiece.
