STWF | ATLANTA | October 28,225 — A luxury Range Rover valued at $180,000 and customized for NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal has been stolen in Georgia, triggering a multi-agency investigation that now stretches across the state.

According to the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office, the vehicle — a one-of-a-kind SUV modified for O’Neal’s 7-foot-1 frame — was taken from a local auto fabrication business earlier this month. Investigators believe the car was transported into the metro Atlanta area last week and have since identified multiple suspects in what appears to be a coordinated theft.

“This was not a random act,” a sheriff’s office spokesperson said. “Based on the evidence collected and warrants issued, this was a targeted theft involving individuals who had detailed knowledge of the vehicle’s transport and value.”

The Theft

The vehicle was reportedly being stored at a Lumpkin County automotive shop after being customized by Effortless Motors, a California-based company specializing in high-end luxury modifications. The Range Rover was scheduled to be shipped to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where O’Neal was set to use it during an LSU football game weekend earlier this month — a nod to his alma mater.

However, the SUV never arrived at its destination. When O’Neal’s representatives contacted the shipping company, FirstLine Trucking LLC, they were told that the firm’s internal system had been “hacked” — possibly compromising vehicle tracking data and transport logistics.

The claim raised immediate red flags for investigators. Authorities have since executed several search warrants, though no arrests have been made as of Monday afternoon.

A Vehicle Fit for a Giant

The stolen vehicle wasn’t just any Range Rover. According to Effortless Motors, it was custom-built for O’Neal’s height and size, featuring extensive interior modifications including:

• Extended legroom and reinforced driver seating,

• Modified steering column and pedal spacing,

• Upgraded suspension and all-terrain performance tuning,

• Bespoke lighting and entertainment system installations, and

• Matte black finish with personalized “Diesel” insignia — O’Neal’s longtime nickname.

“This was a fully bespoke project,” an Effortless Motors spokesperson told CBS News Atlanta. “We’ve worked with Shaq since 2023, and this build was particularly special — it was tailored to his exact specifications for both comfort and performance.”

The company confirmed it is offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to the recovery of the vehicle.

High-Tech Theft and Digital Trail

Authorities are exploring the possibility that the theft was facilitated through digital interference, potentially involving a hack into FirstLine Trucking’s transport management system.

“Modern vehicle thefts aren’t just about breaking locks anymore,” said a Georgia law enforcement official familiar with the case. “They’re about breaching data systems, cloning keys, and manipulating GPS tracking — this case shows how organized and tech-savvy these operations have become.”

The stolen Range Rover reportedly had GPS tracking disabled shortly after it left the fabrication facility, suggesting a deliberate effort to conceal its movements. Law enforcement agencies in Atlanta, Macon, and Baton Rouge have been alerted in the event the vehicle crosses state lines.

O’Neal’s Reaction and Ongoing Search

Representatives for Shaquille O’Neal, who has not publicly commented, confirmed that the former NBA MVP is aware of the investigation and cooperating with law enforcement. The 52-year-old O’Neal — known for his larger-than-life personality and passion for cars — has one of the most notable celebrity car collections in sports, including custom-built trucks, sports cars, and luxury SUVs.

Effortless Motors said it was “heartbroken” by the incident but remains confident the vehicle will be recovered.

“We just want to see it returned safely,” the company said in a statement. “It’s not just a car — it’s a piece of craftsmanship, and it belongs to one of the most respected athletes and philanthropists in the world.”

Investigation Continues

The Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office continues to coordinate with Atlanta police, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and FBI cybercrime experts to trace digital activity linked to the truck’s transport.

Officials urge anyone with information to contact Lumpkin County Crime Stoppers or Effortless Motors directly.

For now, the mystery deepens — a $180,000 luxury SUV built for one of basketball’s biggest legends has vanished, and the chase to recover it is very much underway.

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