Investigation into Sneaker Theft Ring Affects Reseller Business
Nike is collaborating with California authorities to look into a sneaker theft ring that has reportedly harmed the business of a luxury goods reseller who has catered to celebrities like Drake, Morgan Wallen, and Beyoncé.
Andre Rustina’s journey began at age 5 when he started collecting sports and fashion memorabilia, sparked by a Nike Air Michael Jordan basketball jersey from his parents.
Years later, he founded Project Blitz, which quickly gained traction, achieving $12 million in annual revenue. His business attracted attention from various celebrities, which solidified its reputation.
However, everything changed on January 27, 2024. Officials from both the LAPD and Nike reportedly raided two of Rustina’s warehouses, leading to what he described as a “nearly complete shutdown” of his operations.
Rustina, now 46, filed a federal lawsuit against the police and Nike, claiming their actions devastated his business.
His company specialized in a wide array of luxury brands, including Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Gucci, and Chanel, along with various Nike products, even featuring items signed by famous personalities.
Authorities believed they had traced illegal activities back to workers at a Nike warehouse in Tennessee. These individuals allegedly sent unreleased merchandise to Roy Lee Harvey Jr., who resided in the Los Angeles area. This occurred during 2023 and 2024.
Harvey has been arrested and charged with 27 counts of possession of stolen property, though he has pleaded not guilty. The legal proceedings are still unfolding.
During the raid, over 5,000 items were confiscated from multiple brands, with Rustina asserting that the seized Nike products were not unreleased merchandise as claimed.
Some of the confiscated items even included autographs from notable figures, such as the late Kobe Bryant, who had passed away long before these plans were set in motion.
In the aftermath, the LAPD publicly celebrated the raid on social media, but Rustina faced repercussions. Business partners reportedly started distancing themselves, fearing connection to the theft case.
Moreover, he claims he was effectively blacklisted by the brands whose items were taken.
Adding to his frustration, most of the confiscated items have not been returned. Those that were returned were in worse shape than when they were initially seized, with their original packaging indicating value discarded.
Nike and the LAPD have since exchanged accusations about the refusal to return the merchandise. Nike has opted not to comment on the lawsuit, while both the LAPD and City Attorney acknowledged inquiries.
Rustina’s attorney, J. Alejandro Barrientos, stated that his client has faced unjust consequences from both Nike and the LAPD, asserting that they have disrupted Rustina’s life without legal justification. The lawyer expressed confidence that Rustina would eventually receive the justice he deserves.
