A rare Fabergé egg and watch remain missing after a daring handbag theft in Soho landed a man behind bars.
Handbag Snatched Outside Soho Pub
Enzo Conticello, aka Hakim Boudjenoune, 29, with no fixed address, was jailed for two years and three months at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday. He pleaded guilty to theft and fraud by false representation. The crime unfolded around 9:50pm on 7 November 2024, when a woman chatting with friends outside a Bateman Street pub had her handbag stolen. The bag contained a computer, purse, and the coveted Fabergé items, which had been displayed at a special event earlier that day.
CCTV Captures Brazen Theft and Follow-Up Fraud
Police footage showed Conticello swiping the handbag. He was also caught trying to steal another rucksack moments earlier and later used stolen bank cards at nearby shops. Despite a massive manhunt, Conticello vanished—only to be arrested a year later in Belfast for unrelated crimes, where he gave a false identity. London cops flew up to Northern Ireland to nab him once he was freed and brought him back to face justice.
Co-Conspirator Cautioned, Fabergé Treasures Still Missing
A second man, 32, was arrested and given a caution for fraud but cleared of theft. The priceless Fabergé egg—a green and gold piece about 10cm high—and a rose gold watch with a brown leather strap remain lost. Both belong to a rare limited edition collection. Police urge anyone with information on the missing items to call the Met on 101, quoting ref 01/1057202/24, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
