Wealthy husband and wife founders of Cymbiotika robbed at gunpoint in Cannes home invasion

A wealthy couple, the co-founders of the plant-based supplement brand Cymbiotika, along with their young children, encountered armed home invaders in Cannes, who managed to escape with cash and jewelry, according to The California Post.

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 various items, including valuable watches, jewelry, cash, 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 representative for the family informed The 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,” the representative continued.

Durana Elmi had a meeting with Oprah Winfrey while in Cannes and shared about their encounter on social media. “There is something extraordinary about women coming together with intention,” she expressed.

Cymbiotika, founded in 2018 by the Elmi couple and wellness guru Chervin Jafarieh, is based in San Diego and has seen rapid expansion. In October 2025, the company expanded into every Target store nationwide, raising $25 million in fresh funding and attracting celebrity investors like Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, and Zac Efron.

The company has sold over 100 million supplement packets, and its Target rollout marks its largest retail expansion to date. Cymbiotika has gained support from high-profile investors in entertainment, music, and business, including The Weeknd, Post Malone, the Jonas Brothers, David Grutman, and Daymond John.

France has seen a series of robberies targeting affluent visitors, with some high-profile incidents involving Kim Kardashian and Tottenham Hotspur soccer star Yves Bissouma. French authorities have cautioned that organized gangs often target wealthy visitors during major international events, especially those wearing expensive watches or jewelry.

Earlier this month, British social media star Ben Phillips was also a victim of a robbery at gunpoint in Cannes, where he lost about $2 million in luxury items. Fortunately, French authorities were able to arrest five suspects in connection with the incident.