Shahab Elmi and Durana Elmi, the husband-and-wife co-founders of the plant-based supplement company Cymbiotika, were victims of a home invasion in Cannes, France, where they were staying with their two young children for the Cannes Lions International Festival. Three masked gunmen reportedly broke into their rented home early Thursday morning.
The family was held at gunpoint during the incident. The intruders escaped with an estimated millions of dollars worth of jewelry, cash, and other luxury goods. Among the stolen items was a Richard Mille watch valued at over $500,000 and $200,000 in cash.
Cymbiotika, founded in 2018 by Shahab Elmi, Durana Elmi, and Chervin Jafarieh, is based in San Diego. The company has recently expanded its retail presence, entering all Target stores nationwide, and secured $25 million in funding. It has also attracted investment from celebrities such as Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, and Zac Efron.
A representative for the family stated that they are safe but traumatized and have requested privacy. The family was in Cannes to promote wellness and innovation at the festival. Durana Elmi had reportedly met with Oprah Winfrey during the event.
