Thief Imprisoned for £2.2 Million Fabergé Egg Heist at Soho Pub
A man has been jailed after stealing a handbag that held a Fabergé egg and matching watch. The jewels were part of a set valued at about £2.2 million.
The theft and items taken
The incident occurred outside the Dog and Duck pub in Soho on 7 November 2024. The victim, Rosie Dawson, was in the designated smoking area just before 10pm.
Her Givenchy handbag, valued at £1,600, was taken while it rested between her legs. Alongside the emerald-encrusted Fabergé egg and watch, the bag contained several other items:
- £1,500 Apple laptop.
- Apple AirPods.
- £350 store voucher.
- Three bank cards and house keys.
- £200 of make-up and a £150 Mulberry card holder.
- £20 in cash.
How the theft was detected
Ms Dawson had the Fabergé items after a work display for Craft Irish Whiskey Company. She realised the bag was missing within minutes.
At 10.12pm she received a fraud alert for a £33.48 attempted purchase in nearby Berwick Street. Two more card attempts followed later that night, but banks had already cancelled the cards.
Suspect, arrest and timeline
Police linked the theft to Enzo Conticello, 29, also known as Hakin Boudjenoune. He was arrested after separate theft charges in Belfast in November 2025.
Conticello admitted his role in a February hearing. He pleaded guilty to three counts of fraud by false representation and one count of theft.
Court ruling and background
At Southwark Crown Court, Recorder Kate Livesey sentenced him to two years and three months. The judge described the offence as opportunistic and distressing for the victim.
The prosecutor, Julian Winship, outlined the immediate attempts to use the stolen cards. Defence counsel said Conticello had lost chef work during the Covid pandemic and developed a cocaine addiction.
She told the court he handed the bag to someone to buy drugs and did not appreciate the items’ high value.
Aftermath and recovery efforts
The Fabergé egg and watch remain missing. Insurers paid £106,700 to the drinks company over the loss.
Prosecutors noted only seven sets like this exist, each including a jewelled egg, watch, cigars, and a humidor. Three such sets sold for between two and three million dollars.
Authorities will not pursue confiscation or compensation from Conticello. He is of no fixed address and unable to pay, the court heard.
The judge said a usual £3,000 compensation order would not be made. Conticello will serve up to half his term before release on licence.
Filmogaz.com will continue to follow developments related to this Soho pub theft. The case highlights the risks of leaving valuables unattended.
