Bitcoin News Today: Bitcoin Statue Honoring Satoshi Stolen in Lugano Gallery Offers 0.1 BTC Bounty for Recovery

A Bitcoin statue commemorating the identity of Bitcoin’s creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, was stolen in early August 2025 from Villa Ciani park in Lugano, Switzerland. The artwork, one of 21 globally installed statues, had been unveiled in October 2024 by the Satoshi Gallery and the City of Lugano [1]. The theft was first reported via local social media and has since prompted an active search for the missing piece [1].

According to a witness named Gritto, the statue was last seen intact on the night of August 1, with a group of intoxicated individuals observed nearby. Theories suggest the sculpture may have been lifted and discarded into the adjacent lake to evade detection. The statue was secured at only two points, potentially making it vulnerable to removal [1]. Although surveillance cameras are present in the city, the exact circumstances of the disappearance remain unclear [1].

In response to the incident, the Satoshi Gallery announced a bounty of 0.1 BTC, equivalent to around $11,359 at the time of the announcement, for any credible information that leads to the statue’s recovery [1]. This initiative underscores the cultural importance of the piece to the global Bitcoin community and the gallery’s dedication to preserving its legacy [1].

The Lugano statue is unique in its design, appearing to vanish as the viewer moves, a visual metaphor for Satoshi Nakamoto’s mysterious persona and the decentralized nature of Bitcoin [1]. The gallery, undeterred by the theft, remains committed to its mission and has plans to install 18 additional statues worldwide [1]. This project aims to honor Bitcoin’s origins and promote the spirit of decentralized innovation.

The incident highlights the emotional and symbolic significance of such installations to the cryptocurrency community. Despite the setback in Lugano, the Satoshi Gallery continues to champion its global tribute to Bitcoin’s foundational values.

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/)