Soho Fabergé Egg and Watch Thief Sentenced to Prison, Mystery of Missing Items Deepens
Enzo Conticello, a 29-year-old man with no fixed address, has been jailed for two years and three months after stealing a handbag containing a rare Fabergé egg and an expensive watch in London's Soho district. Despite his conviction, he has never explained to authorities what became of the valuable items, leaving a lingering mystery in the case.
Details of the Soho Theft Incident
The theft occurred on November 7, 2024, at approximately 9:50 PM outside a pub on Bateman Street in Soho. Conticello targeted a victim who was returning home from a work event and speaking with friends. The stolen handbag contained not only the victim's computer and purse but also a distinctive green and gold Fabergé egg, measuring about 10 centimeters high, and a rose gold watch with a brown leather strap. These items had been on display at an event earlier that evening.
Police from the Met's Central West Proactive team quickly identified two suspects through CCTV footage. The video showed Conticello stealing the bag and attempting to take another rucksack in the venue just minutes before. Additionally, he was captured on camera using the victim's stolen bank cards at convenience stores in the hours following the theft.
Investigation and Arrest Process
Officers attempted to arrest Conticello at his last known address but were unable to locate him, leading to him being circulated as wanted. He was later arrested by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) in Belfast on November 9, 2025, for unrelated theft offences. At that time, he provided a different name and presented false Irish identity documentation.
Following his release from Maghaberry Prison, Conticello was arrested by the Met Police on January 26 and flown to London to appear before Uxbridge Magistrates' Court on January 27. He pleaded guilty to theft and fraud by false representation at an earlier hearing and was sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on April 9.
Ongoing Search for Missing Fabergé Items
Detective Constable Arben Morina, leading the investigation, emphasized the impact of the theft on the victim and noted that Conticello's greed has now resulted in a prison sentence. However, the defendant never disclosed what he did with the expensive jewelry, leaving police to continue their search. The Fabergé egg and watch are part of a limited edition run; in 2024, a similar set was auctioned with a rare bottle of whiskey for $2.8 million, highlighting their significant value.
In a related development, a second man, aged 32, was arrested on November 24, 2024, based on CCTV footage. He accepted a caution for fraud offences, and no further action was taken regarding the theft. Additionally, a 25-year-old man was arrested on November 20, 2024, on suspicion of handling stolen goods after the company that commissioned the items was approached about their value, but no further action was taken in his case after evidence review.
Police are urging anyone with information to contact them via 101, quoting reference 01/1057202/24, or anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111. The investigation remains active as authorities work to recover the missing Fabergé pieces and bring closure to this high-profile crime.
