Nightlife Mogul Richie Akiva Arrested in alleged Soho Burglary and Assault
New York nightlife figure Richie Akiva, known for his ownership of prominent clubs like 1Oak and close ties to celebrities including Leonardo DiCaprio, was arrested Wednesday and charged with burglary following an alleged violent home invasion in Soho on January 7th.
Akiva, along with an accomplice identified as Justin Brown, is accused of forcibly entering the residence of a 35-year-old man while he was asleep, according to law enforcement sources. The pair allegedly assaulted the man with a metal pipe, leaving him with a broken nose and injuries to his right shoulder and leg. Authorities also allege Akiva and Brown threatened the victim and coerced him into transferring funds through a mobile submission.
Brown, described as a former security guard at Akiva’s now-closed club Up & Down, was also taken into custody. Both men face burglary charges, and the examination is ongoing.
The arrest comes amidst a backdrop of personal accusations leveled by Akiva against longtime friend and entertainment executive Michael Morriatti. Just prior to his arrest, Akiva contacted multiple reporters alleging wrongdoing by Morriatti. When contacted by reporters, Morriatti vehemently denied the claims, stating, “Whatever he’s saying, it’s not real. He’s lying.”
A representative for Akiva released a statement affirming his cooperation with the investigation, saying, “Richie fully welcomes and supports a thorough investigation into this matter and is confident that the full truth will prevail.”
Akiva’s career has been marked by both success and legal challenges. He was previously arrested last year for driving with a suspended license. His former club, 1Oak, a mainstay of new York’s nightlife scene in the 2010s, shuttered in 2022 amid reports of owing over $1 million in back rent, leading to a legal dispute with former business partner Scott Sartiano in 2018.
Despite these setbacks, Akiva has remained a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.He served as “brand and creative director” for the exclusive members-only club The Ned, launched in June 2022, attracting a high-profile clientele including DiCaprio, Rihanna, Emily Ratajkowski, and Leslie Jones. however, he experienced a falling out with another business partner, Darren Dzienciol, in 2023, resulting in competing events during the Cannes Film Festival.
The unfolding legal situation represents a significant challenge for Akiva,potentially impacting his future ventures and reputation within the industry. The investigation is expected to shed further light on the events of January 7th and the motivations behind the alleged burglary and assault.
Why did this happen? Richie Akiva and Justin Brown allegedly broke into a 35-year-old man’s Soho residence on January 7th. The motive appears to be robbery, as authorities allege the victim was coerced into transferring funds. Akiva had also been publicly accusing Michael Morriatti of wrongdoing prior to his arrest, though the connection to the burglary is currently unclear.
Who was involved? Richie Akiva,a prominent nightlife figure,and Justin Brown,a former security guard at one of Akiva’s clubs,were arrested. The victim is a 35-year-old man residing in Soho. Michael Morriatti was publicly accused by Akiva, but denies any wrongdoing.
What occurred? Akiva and Brown are accused of forcibly entering the victim’s home while he slept, assaulting him with a metal pipe, and stealing money via a mobile app. Both men face burglary charges.
how did it end? As of this report, akiva and Brown are in custody facing
