CoolKicks Founder Adeel Shams Arrested After LAPD Raid

CoolKicks founder Adeel Shams has been arrested after a reported raid by the Los Angeles Police Department, according to jail records and eyewitness accounts circulating online.

The arrest was first reported by sneaker insider HORHEAD_Sales on X, with confirmation soon after on Reddit, where a video from CoolKicks’ live stream on Whatnot abruptly cut off during a raid. The sudden interruption fueled speculation, which has since been verified by public booking records.

According to the Los Angeles County Inmate Information Center, Shams, 33, was booked on Thursday, Oct. 2, by the LAPD’s BUNCO/Forgery Division on felony charges related to alleged fraud. The arrest took place around 4:45 p.m. local time, with booking logged at 6:32 p.m. the same evening. Jail records indicate no bail was set, and he was released early on Friday, Oct. 3 on own recognizance (OR) pending trial.

Court documents list Shams’ next court appearance for Thursday, Oct. 23, at the Los Angeles Superior Court, Department 30.

The LAPD has released an official statement detailing the operation, confirming the recovery of over $500,000 in stolen Nike goods. While the investigation was led by the Commercial Crimes Division’s Cargo Theft Unit, the reported involvement of the BUNCO/Forgery Division indicates potential links to fraudulent activity within CoolKicks’ business practices. Sources also report that authorities executed a search warrant at a CoolKicks warehouse, though specifics regarding seized evidence or additional charges remain undisclosed.

This news comes as a major blow to one of streetwear’s most recognizable resale shops, a store that has become a cornerstone of sneaker culture in Los Angeles and online. With Shams at the helm, CoolKicks built its brand through YouTube content, social media presence, and a well-known storefront on Melrose Avenue.

Hours later, the official CoolKicks Instagram account issued a statement on the scenario, claiming that the raid came as a surprise and was related to a transaction made in good faith. CoolKicks further clarifies that the pairs in question have not been recognized as counterfeit but are deemed to be stolen goods.

As of now, further details remain limited, but with an upcoming court date by the end of the month, more clarity on the scope of the case is expected.