NYC Diamond District Chaos: TraxNYC Owner Confronts AKAY Diamonds in Viral Brawl Over Alleged $22K Jewelry Scam (January 2026)
Published: January 3, 2026
In one of the wildest jewelry industry confrontations ever caught on camera, a full-scale brawl erupted in New York City’s iconic Diamond District on January 2, 2026. Maksud Agadjani, the outspoken owner of TraxNYC—a brand with over 3 million social media followers—stormed into AKAY Diamonds (also known as Akay Infamous) to confront them over allegations of scamming a customer by impersonating his brand and selling substandard gold jewelry.
What began as a heated verbal exchange quickly devolved into physical violence, with videos showing spitting, attempted strangulation, punches, and smashed display cases. The incident has since gone viral, amassing over 50 million views across Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube, and igniting heated debate about consumer protection, jewelry-industry ethics, and the raw intensity of New York City’s diamond trade.
The NYC Diamond District: High Stakes Behind the Sparkle
The Diamond District, located on West 47th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues in Manhattan, is a dense, high-pressure marketplace where billions of dollars in diamonds, gold chains, watches, and custom jewelry change hands each year. It’s a crossroads of hip-hop culture, celebrity spending, and everyday buyers chasing deals.
Beneath the polished displays lies a fiercely competitive environment. Allegations of counterfeit goods, bait-and-switch pricing, and aggressive sales tactics are common in online reviews and consumer complaints. TraxNYC has built much of its brand around exposing these practices through viral testing videos—but this confrontation marked an unprecedented escalation.
What Happened Between TraxNYC and AKAY Diamonds?
According to Agadjani, the incident began when a customer seeking TraxNYC’s custom jewelry wandered into AKAY Diamonds’ nearby booth. He alleges that AKAY staff misrepresented themselves as affiliated with TraxNYC to gain the customer’s trust.
The customer purchased a white gold bracelet invoiced as 14-karat gold, a premium standard valued for durability and appearance. Independent testing later allegedly revealed the bracelet was only 10-karat gold—significantly less pure and substantially cheaper.
This discrepancy matters. Fourteen-karat gold is 58.3% pure, while 10-karat gold is only 41.7% pure. In resale or scrap value, the difference can mean a 30–40% loss, translating into thousands of dollars. TraxNYC claims this not only defrauded the customer but also damaged his brand’s reputation.
The Alleged $22,000 Restitution
To protect his brand, Agadjani says he refunded the customer in full and provided additional compensation, totaling roughly $22,000. He claims this amount should have been reimbursed by AKAY Diamonds.
In the days leading up to the confrontation, TraxNYC posted receipts, gold test results, and accusations on social media, alleging systematic fraud and brand impersonation by AKAY.
The January 2, 2026 Confrontation
On January 2, Agadjani entered AKAY Diamonds’ location at 44 West 47th Street with a camera crew, demanding repayment and an apology. Video footage shows tensions escalating rapidly.
Agadjani alleges that AKAY employees spat in his face—an act widely regarded as a severe provocation. In a shocking moment caught on video, one individual allegedly grabbed Agadjani’s signature “kilo” gold chain and attempted to strangle him, leaving visible red marks on his neck.
Multiple people joined the altercation as punches were thrown and jewelry cases were knocked over. Bystanders attempted to intervene while shouting filled the store. No weapons were reported, but the violence underscored the volatile emotions tied to reputation and money in the district.
Who Is Maksud Agadjani and TraxNYC?
Maksud “Trax” Agadjani, born in Azerbaijan in 1986, immigrated to the U.S. as a child and entered New York City’s jewelry scene as a teenager. After flipping jewelry online, he founded TraxNYC in 2005.
Today, TraxNYC is a multimillion-dollar operation specializing in custom chains, iced-out watches, pendants, and bespoke pieces. Agadjani’s transparency-focused content—testing gold, verifying diamonds, and calling out scams—has earned him a massive following and a polarizing reputation.
AKAY Diamonds: Allegations and Silence
AKAY Diamonds claims decades of experience in the jewelry trade and has historically received mixed reviews. Since the incident, online platforms have been flooded with negative feedback accusing the business of misrepresenting gold purity.
As of January 3, 2026, AKAY Diamonds has not issued a detailed public response. Unnamed sources suggest they deny wrongdoing, framing the dispute as a misunderstanding. Some online critics argue Agadjani exaggerated the confrontation for viral exposure, while supporters praise him for confronting alleged fraud head-on.
Public Reaction and Viral Fallout
The footage spread rapidly, drawing reactions from media outlets, influencers, and everyday consumers. Millions of comments debate whether Agadjani’s actions represent justified consumer advocacy or reckless vigilantism.
Legal experts note potential consequences on both sides, including assault, trespassing, and defamation claims. The incident has become a flashpoint for broader discussions about regulation and accountability in the jewelry trade.
How to Avoid Jewelry Scams in the Diamond District
- Verify karat and hallmarks: Look for stamps like “14K” or “585.”
- Get independent testing: Use a trusted jeweler or certified lab.
- Research sellers: Check BBB records, reviews, and online presence.
- Insist on certifications: Demand proper documentation for diamonds and gold.
- Be skeptical of steep discounts: Deals far below market value are red flags.
As of January 2026, gold prices hover around $2,500 per ounce—use this benchmark when evaluating prices.
What Happens Next?
Police were reportedly called, but no arrests have been announced. Agadjani has hinted at pressing charges, while AKAY Diamonds could pursue legal action of their own.
Regardless of legal outcomes, the incident has already reshaped public perception of the Diamond District. For TraxNYC, it reinforces an anti-scam identity. For consumers, it serves as a reminder that in high-value markets, trust must always be verified.
FAQ
Is the TraxNYC vs AKAY fight real?
Yes. Multiple videos and eyewitness accounts confirm the altercation occurred on January 2, 2026.
Was the bracelet actually fake?
TraxNYC alleges testing showed it was 10K instead of the invoiced 14K. AKAY has not confirmed this.
Where is the NYC Diamond District?
West 47th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues in Manhattan.
Can customers still buy from TraxNYC?
Yes. The store and website remain operational.
In an industry where sparkle meets street pressure, this January 2026 brawl underscores a timeless truth: real value comes from trust—not just carats.
