BREAKING: TraxNYC Owner Injured in Diamond District Brawl, Assault Charges Filed, Consumer Fraud Allegations Under Review
A Livestream, A Fight, and a Legal Firestorm
I watched this unfold in real time. On January 2, Maksud “Trax” Agadjani, the owner of TraxNYC, walked into a rival booth in Manhattan’s Diamond District and confronted Akay Diamonds over a bracelet sale he called a scam. He said the piece was sold as 14 karat gold with VVS diamonds. He said testing showed 10 karat gold with lower grade stones. He also claimed the sellers leaned on his brand name to win the sale.
The confrontation turned physical on camera. A staffer spit at Agadjani. He says he was choked with his own chain. He went to the hospital with visible neck marks. The New York City Police Department took two men into custody shortly after. George Akay, 46, and Freddy Akay, 42, now face assault charges tied to the brawl.
Before the confrontation, Agadjani reimbursed the customer 22,000 dollars. He framed it as protecting his name and his buyers. That move helped the customer, and it set the stage for what came next.
What the Law Sees, Criminal and Civil
This incident is not just about a fight. It is about alleged deception, consumer harm, and brand misuse.
On the criminal side, prosecutors can pursue assault. The video and medical records will matter. If choking is proven, New York has a specific offense, criminal obstruction of breathing, that carries real penalties. Spitting can support harassment charges. Disorderly conduct is also possible in a crowded retail corridor.
On the civil side, the alleged mislabeling raises flags under New York General Business Law. False advertising and deceptive practices are unlawful. Misstating karat or diamond clarity is also a problem under the Federal Trade Commission’s Jewelry Guides. If anyone used the TraxNYC name to close the deal, that could trigger claims under the Lanham Act for false association.
There is risk for TraxNYC too. Marching into a rival’s space can spark trespass or harassment claims. Public accusations can lead to defamation or trade libel suits if they are false statements of fact. Livestreaming your own confrontation is a double edged sword. New York allows one party to record audio, and filming in a retail space is often legal, but the footage can become evidence for and against you.
If you sell jewelry in New York, you must be able to substantiate karat, diamond grade, and any comparative claims. Mislabeling can draw state and federal action, plus private lawsuits.
Your Rights If You Were Sold Misrepresented Jewelry
Buyers have clear rights. You are entitled to truthful descriptions of metal content and stone quality. Receipts should match what was sold. Stamps on gold are not the last word. Independent testing and appraisals are allowed and common.
You can act fast if you suspect a false sale:
- Ask for a refund in writing and keep a copy of the receipt and messages
- Get an independent appraisal that states findings clearly
- Dispute the charge with your card issuer within the required window
- File complaints with the New York Attorney General and the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection
Documentation wins. Save the listing, invoice, lab reports, and any messages where a seller mentions karat, clarity, or a brand name. Screenshots help.
Regulators, Oversight, and What Comes Next
This clash lands squarely in the laps of regulators. The Attorney General can bring deceptive practices cases that include restitution and penalties. The FTC can target deceptive jewelry claims under the FTC Act. The city can conduct inspections and bring actions through its consumer agency.
Expect prosecutors to review the video, medical records, and witness statements. Expect defense counsel to push back on the accuracy of the grading claims, the testing methods, and the timeline. A judge can issue orders of protection to keep the parties apart while the case proceeds. Civil suits may follow the criminal case, not replace it.
This is also a policy moment. New York officials can tighten retail disclosures in high risk sectors like jewelry. Clearer display rules, stronger receipts, and surprise inspections can deter fraud. The Diamond District thrives on reputation. Law must keep up with its speed and its competitive edge.
Brand Defense or Legal Liability
Agadjani’s choice to pay the customer back, then go live, was brand defense in real time. It reads as consumer protection, and it plays as high risk public relations. TraxNYC has walked this line before. In 2024, a high profile likeness suit ended after a public apology and content removal. The lesson is simple. Visibility helps until it hurts.
The First Amendment protects speech and newsworthy recordings. It does not protect false statements that damage a business. It does not shield violence. Companies in this space should plan for a crisis before it starts, with counsel on recording, statements, and de escalation.
Do not confront suspected fraudsters in person. Call law enforcement, preserve evidence, and let regulators and courts do the work.
The Bottom Line
A bracelet dispute has now become a test of law and reputation. We have a hospitalized jeweler, two assault charges, and a live video that will be watched frame by frame in court. Consumers should know their rights and get proof in writing. Sellers should follow the rules to the letter. The next moves belong to prosecutors, regulators, and judges. The message from the Diamond District today is clear. In jewelry, truth in labeling is not marketing, it is the law.
