A rare Fabergé egg and watch remain missing after a daring handbag theft in Soho resulted in a man being imprisoned. Enzo Conticello, also known as Hakim Boudjenoune, 29, with no fixed address, was sentenced to two years and three months at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday.
Conticello pleaded guilty to charges of theft and fraud by false representation. The incident took place at approximately 9:50pm on 7 November 2024, when a woman talking with friends outside a pub on Bateman Street had her handbag stolen. The handbag contained a computer, a purse, and the highly sought-after Fabergé items, which had been displayed earlier that day at a special event.
Police CCTV footage captured Conticello stealing the handbag. He was also seen attempting to steal another rucksack moments before and later used stolen bank cards at nearby shops. Despite an extensive manhunt, Conticello disappeared, only to be arrested a year later in Belfast for unrelated offences, where he provided a false identity.
Following his release, London police travelled to Northern Ireland to arrest him and bring him back to face justice.
A second man, aged 32, was arrested and cautioned for fraud but was cleared of theft charges.
The priceless Fabergé egg, described as a green and gold piece approximately 10cm high, and a rose gold watch with a brown leather strap remain missing. Both items are part of a rare limited edition collection.
Police are urging anyone with information about the missing Fabergé items to contact the Metropolitan Police on 101, quoting reference 01/1057202/24, or to report anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Originally published by UKNIP.
