Effortless Motors, the dealership that sold NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal his custom 2025 Range Rover, has announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to the vehicle’s recovery, offering new details about the theft that has left investigators baffled.
The dealership confirmed it was the authorised seller and had arranged for the SUV’s transport through a verified third-party shipping company. However, it said the transport firm’s internal systems were hacked, resulting in the vehicle being unlawfully taken while in transit.
“Effortless Motors was the authorised selling dealership and arranged transport through a verified third-party company. Upon the vehicle’s scheduled delivery, we discovered that the company’s systems had been compromised, leading to the unlawful taking of the car during transit,” the company said in a statement.
A spokesperson added, “We take the security and trust of our clients very seriously. This was a highly coordinated criminal act targeting the transport company’s network. We’re working closely with law enforcement and federal investigators to recover the vehicle and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.”
According to the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office in Georgia, the missing vehicle was reported on Wednesday. The luxury SUV, customised to fit O’Neal’s 7’1″ frame, had been undergoing modification work in Dahlonega before it was scheduled to be shipped to Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Authorities suspect that an individual or group impersonated the legitimate shipping company to steal the vehicle. “Preliminary findings indicate that an unauthorised individual or company may have taken possession of the vehicle under false pretences,” the sheriff’s office stated.
Investigators learned that a tow truck registered to Griffin Wrecker Service LLC, with Georgia plate YIW241, transported the vehicle to an address in Atlanta. The person who arranged the pickup has not yet been identified. No arrests have been made, and the investigation is still ongoing.
The theft follows a string of celebrity-related property crimes, including one involving chef Guy Fieri, who recently had thousands of tequila bottles stolen in a similar scam featured on 60 Minutes.
The story of O’Neal’s missing Range Rover was first reported by The New York Post.
