Pub thief jailed over £2.2m Fabergé theft
Pub Thief Sentenced for £2.2m Fabergé Heist
Enzo Conticello, 29, has been sentenced to over two years in prison for stealing a handbag containing a Fabergé egg and watch set valued at up to £2.2 million from a London pub. The theft occurred on 7 November 2024, when Conticello, also known as Hakin Boudjenoune, took Rosie Dawson’s bag while she stood outside the Dog and Duck pub in Soho.
Theft Details
The handbag was placed between Dawson’s legs on the ground. Inside were the stolen items, which Dawson had brought out for display at a work event that same evening. The Fabergé collection, including a gem-encrusted egg, watch, and other luxury goods, remains missing. Conticello admitted guilt to three fraud charges and one theft count during a prior hearing at Southwark Crown Court.
Background of the Defendant
Conticello, who previously worked as a chef, lost his job during the pandemic and fell into cocaine addiction. His defense, Katie Porter-Windley, argued that he was unaware of the items’ immense value. “He seized the chance on that night, and is truly remorseful,” she stated. The court was told Conticello handed the bag over to purchase drugs, believing it contained ordinary belongings.
“On the night in question, it was a moment of opportunity which he took, and he is genuinely remorseful for his behaviour,” said Conticello’s barrister, Katie Porter-Windley.
Impact of the Crime
The theft caused significant distress for Dawson and her employer, the Craft Irish Whiskey Company. Insurers compensated the company with £106,700, but Prosecutor Julian Winship noted that only seven Fabergé sets exist globally, each containing a jewelled egg, watch, and other exclusive items. Recorder Kate Livesey emphasized that the crime led to “inconvenience and stress,” highlighting the shock Dawson felt upon discovering the loss.
“Ms Dawson described the particular shock and panic upon realising a bag containing items of such particular value owned by the company had been stolen, and the incredible stress this incident has caused her,” said Livesey.
Investigation and Aftermath
Conticello was arrested in Belfast in November 2025, more than a year after the theft, following his use of Dawson’s bank cards at a nearby store. Police continue the search for the stolen Fabergé items, with Det Con Arben Morina commenting, “Conticello thought nothing of helping himself to someone else’s possessions, and he now faces a prison sentence as a result of his greed.”
Fabergé, a prestigious Russian jeweler established in 1842, is celebrated for its intricate gemstone eggs and luxury collections. The theft underscores the vulnerability of high-value items even in public spaces, as Conticello’s actions led to a substantial financial loss for Dawson’s employer.
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