A thief who stole a handbag containing a Faberge egg and watch worth more than $2.8 million (£2 million) has pleaded guilty to fraud.
Enzo Conticello, of no fixed address, admitted the theft at Southwark Crown Court to stealing the handbag and using the victim’s stolen bank cards.
The handbag, which the 29-year-old stole from the victim in Soho, central London, on 7 November 2024, contained a Faberge egg and watch, belonging to the Craft Irish Whiskey Company, a laptop and credit cards.
The court heard the Faberge egg has not been located.
Addressing Conticello, who is also known as Hakin Boudjenoune, after he pleaded guilty, Judge Martin Griffiths said: “I expect it was probably quite a surprise to you when you discovered that egg.
“What you did with it, I don’t quite know, but I expect we’re going to find out.”
The court did not hear exactly how much the Faberge egg and watch are worth, but was told the items have a minimum value of 2.8 million US dollars.
The judge said he wants to be “certain” of the jewellery’s value, adding: “Unfortunately, you can’t ask Mr Faberge, can you?”
Conticello admitted a charge of theft, and three charges of fraud by misrepresentation, after using the victim’s stolen bank cards to purchase cigarettes and other goods at supermarkets in the Soho area.
Wearing a grey, prison-issue tracksuit, the defendant spoke only to confirm his name and admit the offences.
Conticello was remanded into custody and will next appear at Southwark Crown Court on Friday, 6 March.
