Bitcoin News Today: Bitcoin's Lugano Statue Stolen, 0.1 BTC Reward Offered for Clues

A Bitcoin-themed statue symbolizing the anonymity of the cryptocurrency’s creator was stolen from Parco Ciani in Lugano, Switzerland. The artwork, known as the "Satoshi statue," was created by Italian artist Valentina Picozzi and unveiled in October 2024 at the Plan B Forum, a blockchain event co-sponsored by the city of Lugano and Tether. The statue, designed with a faceless figure seated at a computer, visually disappears from certain angles—echoing the elusive identity of Satoshi Nakamoto and the idea that “we are all Satoshi.” The Satoshigallery group, responsible for the statue, has announced a reward of 0.1 BTC (valued at over $11,000) for any information leading to its recovery. The group reaffirmed its commitment to the global Satoshi statue initiative, stating it plans to install the artwork in 21 cities worldwide, despite this setback. The theft underscores the cultural and symbolic significance of Bitcoin’s anonymity and decentralization within the crypto community. The original statue’s location in a public space highlighted Lugano’s growing role as a hub for digital innovation, with local officials praising the artwork as a representation of the city’s forward-thinking spirit. This is not the first public tribute to Nakamoto; in 2021, a mirrored bronze statue was unveiled in Budapest, allowing viewers to see themselves in the artwork, symbolizing the mystery surrounding the creator’s identity. The recent theft of the Lugano statue has reignited discussions about the ongoing enigma of Satoshi Nakamoto. The individual is estimated to control approximately 1.096 million BTC, currently valued at over $131 billion, placing them as the 11th richest person globally in theoretical terms. However, Nakamoto’s Bitcoin wallets have remained untouched for years, fueling speculation but also reinforcing the narrative of Bitcoin’s decentralized and anonymous origins. The reward for the statue’s return reflects the broader community’s determination to preserve the legacy and symbolism of Bitcoin’s foundational values. As the search for the missing artwork continues, the message from Satoshigallery remains clear: “You can steal our symbol but you will never be able to steal our souls.”[1] Source: [1] Bitcoin Statue Theft in Lugano Prompts 0.1 BTC Reward as Recovery Efforts Continue (https://en.coinotag.com/bitcoin-statue-theft-in-lugano-prompts-0-1-btc-reward-as-recovery-efforts-continue/)