The wealthy husband and wife co-founders of the plant-based supplement brand Cymbiotika and their young children came face-to-face with armed home invaders in Cannes who escaped with millions, The California Post has learned.
Shahab Elmi, Durana Elmi and their two minor children had rented a home in France for The Cannes Lions International Festival.
Three armed masked men broke into their rental home early Thursday morning, holding the family at gunpoint and stealing millions in jewelry, goods and cash, according to a local report.
Among the items reportedly stolen: a Richard Mille watch worth more than $500,000, $200,000 in cash as well as other jewelry and luxury goods.
“Cymbiotika proudly brought wellness to Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity this week, creating meaningful conversations around health, innovation, and longevity with some of the world’s most influential voices. Cymbiotika Co-Founder and CXO/CCO lived her childhood dream by meeting her hero Oprah,” a rep for the family told The California Post.
“Unfortunately, after an evening of meetings at Cannes Lions, the Elmi family was targeted in a frightening home invasion at gunpoint. Thankfully, the family is safe. At this time, the Elmi family asks for privacy as they process and heal from this traumatic incident,” they continued.
Durana met with Oprah Winfrey while in Cannes, posting about their encounter. “There is something extraordinary about women coming together with intention,” she said.
Based in San Diego and founded in 2018 by Shahab, Durana and Chervin Jafarieh, Cymbiotika has expanded rapidly.
Most recently, the wellness company has expanded into every Target store nationwide, raised $25 million in fresh funding, and attracted celebrity investors including Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber and Zac Efron.