Bitcoin News Today: Bitcoin-Themed Satoshi Statue Stolen in Lugano, 0.1 BTC Reward Offered

A Bitcoin-themed statue in Lugano, Switzerland, which was part of the global initiative led by the Satoshigallery collective, was reported stolen on August 2, 2025. The artwork, depicting the enigmatic figure Satoshi Nakamoto—widely believed to be Bitcoin’s anonymous creator—vanished from its public display, prompting an immediate response from the organization. Satoshigallery announced a reward of 0.1 BTC, currently valued at around $3,000–$6,000, for any information that leads to the statue’s recovery [1]. The reward is being offered directly in Bitcoin, a decision reflecting the decentralized and digital nature of the cryptocurrency community [6].

The statue was installed in Lugano as part of a broader mission to honor the legacy of Satoshi Nakamoto and promote awareness of blockchain technology. Satoshigallery plans to erect 21 such statues in cities around the world, symbolizing Bitcoin’s 21 million supply cap. The group emphasized that the theft is not expected to deter the project, with officials reiterating their commitment to completing the global installation initiative [4].

Lugano has emerged as a notable hub for crypto innovation, thanks in part to initiatives such as Plan ₿, which seeks to integrate Bitcoin into local government services. The theft of the statue in such a setting is seen as both a symbolic loss and a reminder of the challenges public crypto-related art faces [2]. Discussions have since erupted across social media platforms like Reddit, X, and Telegram, where users are speculating on potential motives and sharing possible leads [5]. The local police have launched an investigation, and Satoshigallery is relying on public cooperation to track down the missing artwork.

The incident underscores the growing cultural and symbolic importance of Bitcoin and its associated imagery. The statue, like the cryptocurrency itself, represents a decentralized, open-source ethos that challenges traditional systems of finance and governance. Its disappearance has generated widespread concern within the crypto community, with many questioning who could have taken it and why [3]. The organizers have urged the public to report any relevant information, emphasizing the statue’s value not only as an artwork but as a representation of the Bitcoin movement’s ideals.

Sources:

[1] title: Satoshi Statue Stolen? Lugano Wakes up To Find Bitcoin ...

url: https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2025/08/03/where-is-satoshi-nakamoto-statue-honouring-the-bitcoin-creator-gets-stolen-in-lugano

[2] title: Disappearing Satoshi statue in Lugano stolen, 0.1 BTC ...

url: https://www.tradingview.com/news/cointelegraph:1a8d4bb9b094b:0-disappearing-satoshi-statue-in-lugano-stolen-0-1-btc-offered-for-its-return/

[3] title: Bitcoin News Today: Bitcoin's Disappearing Satoshi Statue ...

url: https://www.ainvest.com/news/bitcoin-news-today-bitcoin-disappearing-satoshi-statue-stolen-0-1-btc-reward-offered-clues-2508/

[4] title: Satoshi Gallery, the designer of the ...

url: https://www.mexc.com/news/satoshi-gallery-the-designer-of-the-satoshi-nakamoto-statue-is-offering-a-reward-of-0-1-bitcoin-for-information-leading-to/63515

[5] title: Satoshigallery Offers 0.1 BTC Reward for Recovery of ...

url: https://www.ainvest.com/news/satoshigallery-offers-0-1-btc-reward-recovery-stolen-satoshi-statue-2508/

[6] title: Wu Blockchain - X

url: https://x.com/WuBlockchain/status/1951922767332626698