Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department recovered an estimated $500,000 in stolen Nike merchandise October 2, during a raid at a warehouse in the 1700 block of Stewart Street.
The operation uncovered more than 2,100 pairs of stolen Nike shoes, including unreleased models, and 150 cartons of Nike clothing.
Adeel Shams, 34, CEO and co-founder of CoolKicks, the popular online sneaker store known for reselling limited-edition footwear to collectors and celebrities such as Travis Kelce and Chris Brown, was arrested at the scene.
Shams was booked at the LAPD Metropolitan Detention Center for receiving stolen property. Three other individuals were also detained during the raid.
Authorities said the raid coincided with an online sneaker auction that Shams was live-streaming. In the video, he appeared visibly surprised and initially asked whether the incident was a “swatting” hoax, a type of prank that can prompt a police response.
“This case highlights the significance of interagency collaboration in combating large-scale cargo theft and preserving the integrity of commercial supply chains,” LAPD officials said. Detectives noted that the investigation is ongoing and that further arrests are expected.
Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact the LAPD Commercial Crimes Division, Cargo Theft Unit, at (213) 486-5920, or, during non-business hours, 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Those wishing to remain anonymous can call L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477), submit tips online, or use the “P3 Tips” mobile application.
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