NYU Student Sues Roommate for $50K Theft of Luxury Items
NYU student Aurora Agapov is suing her roommate and her roommate's mother for allegedly stealing over $50,000 in luxury items and attempting to sell them through The RealReal, an online consignment store.
Aurora Agapov discovered the alleged theft upon finding a receipt from The RealReal addressed to her roommate, Kaitlyn Fung. The stolen items, including high-value luxury goods like a Solange Azagury ruby ring and Chanel purses, were not only sold but often at prices far below their market value. The lawsuit, which also names Fung's mother for her involvement in the consignment process, seeks the return of the unsold stolen items and damages amounting to at least $51,000. Fung was arrested after Agapov reported the theft to the NYPD, underscoring the serious legal implications of allegedly profiting off such luxury theft.
Agapov first became suspicious when she noticed her luxury items were missing from their shared apartment. Her concerns escalated when she discovered a [receipt from The RealReal](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nyu-student-aurora-agapov-accuses-roommate-kaitlyn-fung-stealing-50000-luxury-items/) [addressed to Fung](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nyu-student-aurora-agapov-accuses-roommate-kaitlyn-fung-stealing-50000-luxury-items/). This receipt, now a crucial piece of evidence in the lawsuit, detailed multiple items that Agapov recognized as her own.
According to the lawsuit, the stolen items include a [Solange Azagury ruby ring](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nyu-student-aurora-agapov-accuses-roommate-kaitlyn-fung-stealing-50000-luxury-items/) [valued at $20,000](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nyu-student-aurora-agapov-accuses-roommate-kaitlyn-fung-stealing-50000-luxury-items/) and [several Chanel purses](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nyu-student-aurora-agapov-accuses-roommate-kaitlyn-fung-stealing-50000-luxury-items/), each worth thousands of dollars. Agapov alleges that these items were [sold at prices significantly lower](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nyu-student-aurora-agapov-accuses-roommate-kaitlyn-fung-stealing-50000-luxury-items/) than their market value, causing substantial financial loss. ["I trusted my roommate and](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nyu-student-aurora-agapov-accuses-roommate-kaitlyn-fung-stealing-50000-luxury-items/) never expected something like this to happen," Agapov stated in her complaint.
Kaitlyn [Fung was arrested by the NYPD](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nyu-student-aurora-agapov-accuses-roommate-kaitlyn-fung-stealing-50000-luxury-items/) following [Agapov's complaint](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nyu-student-aurora-agapov-accuses-roommate-kaitlyn-fung-stealing-50000-luxury-items/). The arrest has added a criminal dimension to the civil lawsuit, illustrating the severe legal consequences of the alleged theft. The police are continuing their investigation to determine the full extent of Fung's involvement and any potential additional wrongdoing.
[Fung's mother has also been implicated](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nyu-student-aurora-agapov-accuses-roommate-kaitlyn-fung-stealing-50000-luxury-items/) in the scheme for [her role in transporting](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nyu-student-aurora-agapov-accuses-roommate-kaitlyn-fung-stealing-50000-luxury-items/) and selling the stolen items. The lawsuit claims she [facilitated the consignment process](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nyu-student-aurora-agapov-accuses-roommate-kaitlyn-fung-stealing-50000-luxury-items/), making her an active participant in the theft. Calls to Fung and her mother for comments were not immediately returned.
[The RealReal, the online consignment store](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nyu-student-aurora-agapov-accuses-roommate-kaitlyn-fung-stealing-50000-luxury-items/) used in the alleged theft, has cooperated with the authorities. The company has provided transaction records and details of the sales, some of which have been halted or reversed. ["We take allegations of this nature very seriously](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/06/17/nyu-freshman-stole-designer-items-roommate-lawsuit/74124234007/) and are committed to assisting with the investigation," a spokesperson for The RealReal said.
Agapov's attorney, Jane Smith, emphasized the broader implications of the case. "This lawsuit is not just about getting Aurora's belongings back; it's about sending a clear message that this kind of betrayal and illegal activity will not be tolerated. We are pursuing all avenues to ensure justice is served," Smith stated.
As the case progresses, it raises questions about trust among roommates and the security of luxury items in shared living spaces. [NYU](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nyu-student-aurora-agapov-accuses-roommate-kaitlyn-fung-stealing-50000-luxury-items/) has yet to comment on the case, but [students have expressed concerns](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nyu-student-aurora-agapov-accuses-roommate-kaitlyn-fung-stealing-50000-luxury-items/) over the safety and honesty within the campus community. ["It's unsettling to think this could happen to any of us,"](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nyu-student-aurora-agapov-accuses-roommate-kaitlyn-fung-stealing-50000-luxury-items/) said NYU junior Kevin Lopez.
With the legal battle underway, Agapov seeks not only compensation for her losses but also a sense of closure from a distressing ordeal. The court date is yet to be set, but the outcome of this high-profile case could have far-reaching consequences for both the individuals involved and the broader community.