Cymbiotika CEO Shahab Elmi was robbed at gunpoint in Cannes early Thursday, when armed, hooded suspects entered the home where he was staying with his wife, Durana, and their two young daughters. The thieves took a luxury Richard Mille watch and cash and jewel
Shahab Elmi, the CEO of the supplement company Cymbiotika, woke to gunfire and silence—hours later, the damage was already clear.
Early Thursday morning in Cannes, France, robbers broke into the home where Elmi was staying with his wife, Durana, and their two young daughters. The suspects were armed, including one who wielded an SK-style machine gun and held it to Elmi’s head during the home invasion.
A local outlet reported that there were three robbers—each hooded and masked—who entered around 3:30 AM. The family was reportedly in the house at the time, with Elmi and Durana facing the threat directly as the robbery unfolded.
During the invasion, the thieves made off with a luxury Richard Mille watch worth $500K, plus $200K in cash. They also took other jewelry and valuables, which were described as totaling in the millions of dollars.
Elmi and his family are said to be fine, but “traumatized.” In the days following the incident, Elmi and his wife were spending time with their kids as they try to cope with what happened.
Elmi and his family had been renting the Cannes home for the Cannes Lions International Festival. His company was reportedly appearing at multiple events for the festival, placing the timing of the attack in the middle of the international spotlight.
Local outlets report authorities are still investigating.
Shahab Elmi Cymbiotika Cannes home invasion armed robbery Richard Mille watch SK-style machine gun Durana Elmi Cannes Lions International Festival Durana traumatized