UPDATE 10/6/25: The LAPD has seized over $500,000 in stolen Nikes, including unreleased sneakers and clothing, as part of an investigation stemming from a search in Santa Monica. Cool Kicks owner Adeel Shams has been arrested.
UPDATE 10/3/25: Cool Kicks releases official statement after raid and arrest of owner Adeel Shams.
BREAKING: LAPD Busts Cool Kicks LA Owner Adeel Shams for Alleged Fake Sneakers
pic.twitter.com/XgjPTO17U2— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) October 3, 2025
Original Story:
CoolKicks founder Adeel Shams was arrested in Los Angeles after what was described as a “raid” over fraud allegations. Multiple outlets reported the arrest after it began trending on social media, citing inmate records from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Reports show that Shams was arrested by the LAPD Bunco/Forgery Division on October 2, 2025, at 10: 45 am, according to the Los Angeles County Inmate Information Center. Bail and bond records also show that Shams was booked in the evening under felony charges, but it is unclear what charges Shams is being detained under. Jail records state that Shams was later released on his own recognizance on October 3. The next court date will be held on October 23, 2025, at the Los Angeles Superior Court.
The LAPD has yet to issue a full statement, but the case appears to be an investigation under the Bunco/Forgery Division, which mostly serves to address financial crimes. Several photos obtained by online outlets detail law enforcement’s search of a CoolKicks storage unit. Multiple trucks were seen hauling away pallets of sneaker boxes, though it is unknown what the units’ contents are. Photos of trucks with boxes of Nikes inside have since trended on social media.
CoolKicks has been an influential part of sneaker culture on Melrose for years. Pioneering in the re-selling market, the store gained traction on YouTube by developing a personal internet following and serving as the sneaker store of choice for many celebrity sneaker hauls.
Shams’ arrest comes at a crucial time for CoolKicks as the shop reinvents its business model. For years, the store has maintained the reputation of changing sneaker retail with its more entertaining approach to sales. If convicted, Shams may be involved in one of the largest lawsuits the reseller industry has seen to date.
Next Court Date: 10/23/25 at the Los Angeles Superior Court.
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