CoolKicks Founder Adeel Shams Arrested Following LAPD Raid
CoolKicks Founder Arrested: Alleged Raid by LAPD
Adeel Shams, founder of CoolKicks and a significant figure in the sneaker world, was reportedly arrested by the LAPD last night. Allegations suggest a raid on the CoolKicks warehouse, with Shams facing felony charges. The LAPD’s BUNCO/FORGERY division, which deals with cases of fraud and counterfeit goods, is handling the investigation. Further details are anticipated in the coming days.
Impact of Economic Shifts in Sneaker Resale
The sneaker resale industry has experienced notable changes in recent years, leading to financial challenges for many storefronts. Issues such as unpaid bills, late consignor payments, and legal disputes concerning counterfeit products have plagued shops. CoolKicks, initially established in 2014 in Richmond, Virginia, and later expanding to Los Angeles, is the latest to face legal challenges, as its warehouse was targeted by authorities.
Rise of CoolKicks and Its Online Presence
Founded by Adeel Shams and associates during his time at Virginia Commonwealth University, CoolKicks flourished after moving to Los Angeles. The shop, located on Melrose Avenue, became well-known, bolstered by a strong online presence, particularly on YouTube with 1.95 million subscribers. Celebrities, athletes, and influencers frequently feature in their content, showcasing CoolKicks’ influence in the sneaker community.
Challenges in Today’s Sneaker Resale Market
With shifts in the sneaker industry, stores like CoolKicks are diversifying their sales strategies. Besides reselling sneakers and apparel on platforms like WhatNot, the brand has had to adjust to new economic realities. However, recent live streams on WhatNot have added to the store’s controversies, including abrupt disruptions and allegations of swatting, leading to a temporary account suspension.
LAPD Investigation and Upcoming Court Date
According to records, Shams was arrested on October 2, 2025, at 4:45 PM PT, later facing felony charges for alleged fraudulent activities related to counterfeit sales. He was processed by the LAPD-BUNCO/FORGERY division and released at midnight. However, his court date set for October 23, 2025, suggests more revelations may come to light soon.
Posts on social media platforms like Reddit and X have stirred speculation among users, with some claiming receipt of non-authentic items from CoolKicks’ WhatNot streams. These remain allegations without concrete evidence. Emegypt will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as they emerge.
For further inquiries, contact Nicholas Vlahos, a dedicated sneakerhead and writer at Emegypt, who combines his passion for sneakers with a career in journalism.
