Why CoolKicks founder Adeel Shams was arrested: first details we know

Adeel Shams, the founder of sneaker resale giant CoolKicks, was arrested in Los Angeles on Oct. 2, 2025, after officers from the LAPD’s Bunco/Forgery Division raided the company’s flagship Melrose Avenue store. The arrest happened while a live auction was streaming on the Whatnot platform, surprising viewers and quickly spreading across social media.

Booking records show Shams was taken into custody Thursday evening and released shortly after midnight on Oct. 3. His first court appearance has been scheduled for Oct. 23 at the Los Angeles Superior Court. Authorities have not yet released the exact charges behind the arrest.

Key facts on why CoolKicks founder Adeel Shams was arrested

The LAPD Bunco/Forgery Division is known for handling cases related to fraud, financial crimes, and counterfeit goods. That detail fueled speculation that the raid could involve concerns over fake sneakers or fraudulent practices in the resale market. However, police and prosecutors have not confirmed any connection between Shams’ arrest and counterfeit products.

Some social media users suggested the incident could have been triggered by a swatting prank, as the raid was seen live by thousands on Whatnot. No official statement has addressed those claims, and authorities have not commented on the reasons for the raid. Until formal charges or court filings are made public, the underlying cause of Shams’ arrest remains unverified.

CoolKicks, launched by Shams in 2014 and now one of the most visible sneaker resale chains in the U.S., has a massive online following and celebrity clientele. Its influence makes any legal scrutiny especially significant for the sneaker resale community. Consumers and consignors are now watching closely for any updates from the brand about pending orders, payouts, or authenticity policies.

What this means for sneaker buyers and sellers

For customers, the news highlights the importance of keeping receipts, proof of authenticity checks, and consignment agreements. Anyone currently buying or selling through CoolKicks may want to monitor official company updates and stay alert to refund or payout announcements.

For the sneaker resale industry at large, this case underscores how essential strong authentication processes have become. Many shops rely on in-house experts and third-party checks to protect their reputations. If prosecutors eventually tie this raid to counterfeit claims, rival resellers will likely emphasize their own verification methods to maintain consumer trust.

Bottom line: Adeel Shams was arrested by the LAPD’s Bunco/Forgery Division and released hours later, with a court date set for Oct. 23. Authorities have not confirmed the exact reason for the raid or charges, and the next major update is expected when court filings become public.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Why was Adeel Shams arrested?

He was taken into custody by the LAPD’s Bunco/Forgery Division during a raid on Oct. 2, but the exact charges have not been disclosed yet.

Q2: Was it linked to counterfeit sneakers?

There is speculation because the division handles fraud and counterfeit cases, but no official confirmation has been provided.

Q3: Did the arrest happen on a livestream?

Yes. A Whatnot live auction was running when officers entered the CoolKicks store, and the raid was seen by viewers online.

Q4: When is the court date?

The first court appearance for Shams is scheduled for Oct. 23, 2025, at Los Angeles Superior Court.

Q5: What should CoolKicks customers do now?

Keep purchase records and consignment agreements. Follow company updates and monitor your payment or refund status until the legal details become clearer.