Who is Cool Kicks founder Adeel Shams? Arrest, bio & business explained

Cool Kicks founder Adeel Shams was arrested in Los Angeles on Oct. 2, 2025, after an LAPD raid conducted by the department’s Bunco/Forgery Division. He was booked on felony fraud-related allegations and released a few hours later pending further legal steps. The arrest occurred while Shams was livestreaming a sneaker sale, making the incident go viral across social media.

The Bunco/Forgery Division investigates fraud and counterfeit-goods crimes. Officials have not yet announced formal charges, but the booking drew immediate attention in the sneaker resale community because of Cool Kicks’ size and reputation.

Adeel Shams: background, timeline, and Cool Kicks rise

Adeel Shams started Cool Kicks in 2014 while studying at Virginia Commonwealth University. The store moved to Los Angeles in 2016, opening on Melrose Avenue and quickly becoming a cultural hub for sneaker enthusiasts. Its YouTube channel and celebrity guest appearances helped Cool Kicks become one of the most recognizable resale shops in the United States.

The arrest happened on the evening of Oct. 2, with Shams briefly detained before being released just after midnight on Oct. 3. Industry outlets reported that trucks were seen removing inventory during the raid. The Whatnot livestream showed the first moments when officers entered the store, surprising Shams and viewers.

Cool Kicks has built its name on sourcing and authenticating rare sneakers, but the resale market has faced growing scrutiny in recent years. Disputes over counterfeit goods, including lawsuits involving other resale platforms, have made trust and verification key issues for buyers.

Impact on sneaker resellers and the community

Cool Kicks’ arrest headlines sent shockwaves through the sneaker world. As one of the most visible brick-and-mortar resellers, its business practices have often been a model for others. If charges move forward, the case could force stricter standards on how resellers verify authenticity and handle consignments.

Customers and consignors may worry about pending orders or store credit. Long term, this situation could push more resellers to show transparent authentication processes and maintain better records to avoid legal risks. Sneaker collectors will closely follow updates from Los Angeles authorities and any official court filings.

Bottom line: Adeel Shams is the co-founder and face of Cool Kicks, a leading sneaker resale chain that started in Virginia and moved to Los Angeles in 2016. His Oct. 2 arrest in a fraud-related LAPD case is under review, and no final charges or court rulings have been issued as of this report.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who is Adeel Shams?

He is the entrepreneur behind Cool Kicks, a sneaker resale brand started at VCU in 2014 and moved to LA’s Melrose Avenue in 2016.

Q2: What is LAPD’s Bunco/Forgery Division?

It’s a specialized unit that handles fraud and counterfeit-goods crimes. They carried out the raid and booking in this case.

Q3: Was the arrest streamed live?

Yes. Shams was on a Whatnot livestream when police entered, surprising both him and viewers before the stream was cut.

Q4: Is Cool Kicks still open?

Yes. The company has multiple Los Angeles locations and an online presence, but has not issued a public statement on the arrest yet.

Q5: When will court proceedings happen?

Exact court dates have not been confirmed. Updates are expected from official LA County court records soon.

Note: This report covers an active legal matter. All parties are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.