Bitcoin News Today: Bitcoin Satoshi Statue Stolen in Switzerland, 0.1 BTC Bounty Offered

A statue commemorating the mysterious creator of Bitcoin, Satoshi Nakamoto, was stolen from its public installation in Lugano, Switzerland. The artwork, part of the Satoshi Statue Project led by Satoshigallery and artist Valentina Picozzi, was removed from Parco Ciani under unclear circumstances [1]. The gallery announced a reward of 0.1 BTC for any credible information leading to the statue’s recovery [2]. At the time of the theft, the bounty was valued at approximately $11,359 [1].

The stolen statue was notable for its design, which appeared to vanish as viewers moved around it. Installed in the Villa Ciani park, it was secured at only two points, potentially making it vulnerable to theft [1]. Surveillance footage did not capture the incident, though local theories suggest the sculpture may have been dumped into a nearby lake [1]. A witness named Gritto reported the last confirmed sighting of the intact statue on the night of August 1, 2025 [1].

The theft has drawn significant attention within the crypto community, prompting discussions on social media platforms such as X [2]. While the financial loss appears limited to the 0.1 BTC reward, the symbolic impact of the stolen artwork is considerable. The statue served as a physical embodiment of Bitcoin’s decentralized philosophy and the enigmatic legacy of its creator [1]. The incident has also reignited conversations about the vulnerabilities of public crypto art and the challenges of safeguarding such installations [1].

Despite the setback, Satoshigallery remains committed to its mission of promoting Bitcoin culture through global art installations. The organization plans to install 18 additional statues worldwide, continuing its initiative to honor Satoshi Nakamoto’s legacy [1]. As artist Valentina Picozzi noted, the disappearance of the statue has turned it into a metaphor for Bitcoin’s intangible yet enduring presence—"visible ‘between the lines’ of the code for all bitcoin users" [1].

The Satoshigallery has amplified the search for the missing artwork through various channels, urging the global crypto community to assist in its recovery [2]. While no DeFi protocols or exchanges have been affected by the incident, the theft has underscored the growing intersection of art and cryptocurrency. It also reflects the broader emotional and cultural significance that the crypto community places on physical representations of digital innovation [1].

Source: [1] Bitcoin Statue Honoring Satoshi Nakamoto Stolen in Lugano, 0.1 BTC Bounty Offered for Recovery (https://en.coinotag.com/bitcoin-statue-honoring-satoshi-nakamoto-stolen-in-lugano-0-1-btc-bounty-offered-for-recovery/) [2] Satoshi vanishes for a second time as Swiss gallery offers 0.1 BTC to recover stolen statue (https://cryptorank.io/news/feed/62854-satoshi-vanishes-for-a-second-time-as-swiss-gallery-offers-0-1-btc-to-recover-stolen-statue)