CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSCrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District Brawl
Footage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
Two jewelers were arrested following an altercation in the New York City Diamond District on Jan. 2.
New York—A fight broke out between jewelers in the New York City Diamond District last weekend, leading to two arrests, the New York City Police Department confirmed Monday.
In video footage that has since gone viral, jeweler Maksud Agadjani, the 39-year-old owner of TraxNYC, confronted fellow jewelers George Akay, 46, and Freddy Akay, 42, of Akay Diamonds at their booth inside 64 West 47 St.
In a series of videos posted to TraxNYC’s Instagram account, Agadjani alleged that the jewelers sold a $22,000 diamond bracelet to a customer of his, falsely claiming it was a TraxNYC piece and mispresenting it as 14-karat gold when his testing showed it was 10-karat gold.
TraxNYC became an Instagram-famous celebrity jeweler, garnering more than 4 million followers. The company is best known for working with celebrities like Busta Rhymes and Kodak Black as well as YouTube sensation Mr. Beast.
Agadjani took the bracelet back from the customer and refunded him the $22,000, according to one of the videos.
Agadjani said he was going to get the money back. “Pull up. We’ll group together. We’ll sue them and take their property,” he said in another video posted to the TraxNYC account.
Related stories will be right here …
In video footage that has since gone viral, jeweler Maksud Agadjani, the 39-year-old owner of TraxNYC, confronted fellow jewelers George Akay, 46, and Freddy Akay, 42, of Akay Diamonds at their booth inside 64 West 47 St.
In a series of videos posted to TraxNYC’s Instagram account, Agadjani alleged that the jewelers sold a $22,000 diamond bracelet to a customer of his, falsely claiming it was a TraxNYC piece and mispresenting it as 14-karat gold when his testing showed it was 10-karat gold.
TraxNYC became an Instagram-famous celebrity jeweler, garnering more than 4 million followers. The company is best known for working with celebrities like Busta Rhymes and Kodak Black as well as YouTube sensation Mr. Beast.
Agadjani took the bracelet back from the customer and refunded him the $22,000, according to one of the videos.
Agadjani said he was going to get the money back. “Pull up. We’ll group together. We’ll sue them and take their property,” he said in another video posted to the TraxNYC account.
The next video shows Agadjani approaching the booth with the bracelet, slamming it down on the counter and cursing at the men as a crowd gathers and attempts to diffuse the situation.
In the following video, one of the men behind the Akay Diamonds’ booth appears to spit in Agadjani’s face. A fight then breaks out.
The NYPD confirmed to National Jeweler on Monday that police responded to reports of an assault on Jan. 2 around 2:30 p.m. at 64 West 47 St.
Upon officers’ arrival, it was reported that a 39-year-old male victim was approached by two individuals and a verbal dispute began, followed by a physical altercation.
“The individuals punched the victim to the face and body with closed fists. The victim sustained minor injuries and was transported by EMS to NYC Health and Hospitals/Bellevue in stable condition,” a police spokesperson said.
Agadjani claimed in one of the videos that the men tried to choke him with the gold chain he was wearing, showing marks around his neck. He credited his staff for stepping in and “saving his life.”
George and Freddy Akay were both arrested and charged with assault, police said. Another unnamed individual was issued a summons.
Akay Diamonds did not respond to a request for comment by press time.
More on Crime
The Latest
CollectionsMay 29, 2026
Cultus Artem’s Necklace Is the Oasis in Las Vegas’ DesertThe “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.
IndependentsMay 29, 2026
Meet the 2026 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerThe author, speaker, and entrepreneur will give his presentation, “Spiritual Billionaire,” on Saturday morning.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach on Sunday night.
Weekly QuizMay 28, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsMay 28, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Buy The Clear Cut Signet will integrate the online-only, natural diamond-focused jeweler into Blue Nile, which it wants to position as a higher-end retailer.
CollectionsMay 28, 2026
Meet The 17 Newcomers to Couture’s Design AtelierThese up-and-coming jewelry brands are bringing their distinct aesthetic and unique point-of-view to the Design Atelier for the first time.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
GradingMay 28, 2026
GCAL By Sarine Launches 8X Cushion CutThe lab’s proprietary diamond cut grade has been expanded to include the popular fancy shape.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
5 Security Tips for Las Vegas Jewelry Market Week 2026This year, it’s what could happen outside of show hours that worries JSA Executive Vice President Scott Guginsky.
ColumnistsMay 27, 2026
What Jewelers Can Learn From Luxury Fashion’s Digital PlaybookHigh-end fashion houses know how to emotionally connect with customers online. Retail jewelers should take note, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
Couture’s ‘The Iridescence’ Will Showcase 7 Emerging Jewelry DesignersThe designers are the third cohort of mentees from the show’s Belonging @ Couture mentorship program.
ColumnistsMay 26, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
12 JCK Talks Sessions to Add to Your Las Vegas ScheduleThe trade show’s education series returns, with sessions on retail trends, AI, watches, marketing, corporate responsibility, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
CBG Brings Its Curated Designer Project to Las Vegas ShowThe Curated Designer Project has expanded to highlight eight independent jewelry designers during CBG’s Las Vegas show.
TrendsMay 26, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Cooldown Is ComingBring a cool tone to your summer jewelry with these white metal pieces.
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2026
Instore Buys JA New York ShowThe deal closed this week, which means Instore will produce the JA NY show slated to take place this fall.
FinancialsMay 22, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Lead the Charge in Q4The company’s jewelry sales were up in Q4 and the fiscal year, with Richemont raising prices in part because of the cost of gold.
CollectionsMay 22, 2026
Leigh Maxwell Celebrates 5 Years at Couture With ‘Bauble’ CollectionThe “Bauble” capsule collection of colorful one-of-a-kinds includes our Piece of the Week, the “Bauble” earrings, featuring rose zircon.
MajorsMay 22, 2026
Stuller’s New Packaging, Display Catalog Is Out The updated catalog has a newly dedicated section for gift wrapping.
PodcastsMay 21, 2026
Episode 5: Sotheby’s Frank Everett Puts the Auction Market in PerspectiveEverett covers colored stones’ surging popularity, the mellow return of the “Mellon Blue,” and his “The Devil Wears Prada” doppelgänger.
IndependentsMay 21, 2026
Springer’s Jewelers’ New Flagship Will Serve Next-Gen Luxury ShoppersFourth-generation CEO Lilly Mullen wants to emphasize experience, connection, and personalized service.
Events & AwardsMay 21, 2026
JA Announces Nina Pugliese Memorial ScholarshipThe new award, created in partnership with Henne Jewelers, honors the late designer’s legacy through supporting jewelry education.
SourcingMay 21, 2026
Botswana, Angola Join WFDBThe addition of the diamond-producing countries as nation affiliated members broadens the federation’s global representation, WFDB said.
IndependentsMay 20, 2026
Adornment & Theory’s New Store Feels Like Home Designer Viviana Langhoff has realized her dream of owning a space for her Chicago jewelry store that looks and feels like her brand.
Events & AwardsMay 20, 2026
Here Is Couture’s 2026 Education Lineup The sessions will run from Friday, May 29, to Sunday, May 31, with one being a live taping of an episode of Couture’s podcast.
Lab-GrownMay 20, 2026
Savannah Friedkin Jewelry Names New CEOFormer Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry executive Morgan P. Richardson is joining the lab-grown diamond jewelry brand.
