coolkicks raided
coolkicks raided
On October 2, 2025, the Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) BUNCO/Forgery Division raided the sneaker resale store
Cool Kicks. Following the raid, store founder Adeel Shams was arrested on felony fraud charges related to the alleged sale of counterfeit goods. The raid occurred during a live auction stream on the platform Whatnot, which was abruptly cut off during the incident.
The raid and arrest
- Arresting agency: Shams was arrested by the LAPD’s BUNCO/Forgery division, a unit that investigates crimes involving fraud, scams, and counterfeit goods.
- Occurred during a livestream: Video clips circulating on social media show the live stream cutting off after loud noises and police presence were observed at the store.
- Booking and release: According to public jail records, Shams was booked on October 2 and released the following day on his own recognizance while awaiting trial.
- Allegations: While official details have not been released, reports from sneaker community sites like Complex and Sole Retriever indicate the charges are linked to the alleged sale of counterfeit shoes.
- Whatnot status: Following the incident, the Cool Kicks profile on Whatnot was temporarily deactivated.
Background and context
Cool Kicks was founded by Adeel Shams in 2014, and the brand’s social media presence, especially on YouTube, has attracted a significant following. The store gained notoriety for its celebrity clientele and high-profile sneaker sales. The arrest has sparked considerable discussion within the sneaker community regarding the authenticity and legitimacy of products sold by large reseller stores.