Bitcoin News Today: Iconic Satoshi Nakamoto Statue Recovered in Lake Lugano After Vandalism

The iconic statue of Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin, has been recovered by municipal workers in the Swiss city of Lugano following its mysterious disappearance and vandalism earlier this year [1]. The artwork, installed in Parco Ciani, was removed from its base and thrown into Lake Lugano by unknown individuals. Upon recovery, the statue was found in several pieces, suggesting an act of deliberate vandalism rather than a straightforward theft [2].

The artwork, created by Italian artist and Bitcoin advocate Valentina Picozzi, was unveiled in October 2024 after 21 months of planning and construction. It was intended to symbolize the ethos of Bitcoin—innovation, decentralization, and anonymity [1]. The Satoshigallery, the art collective behind the project, had offered a reward of 0.1 BTC (worth over $11,000) for any information leading to the statue’s recovery [1].

The Bitcoin community expressed strong reactions to the incident. Gabor Gurbacs, CEO of blockchain platform Pointsville, called the act “tasteless and stupid,” while others speculated that the vandalism may have been carried out by intoxicated individuals celebrating Swiss National Day [1]. Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino acknowledged the recovery with a simple heart emoji on social media [1]. The Satoshigallery emphasized that while the symbol could be stolen, “you will never be able to steal our souls,” reaffirming its commitment to expanding the artwork’s global presence to 21 locations [1].

The recovery marks the end of a high-profile episode involving local authorities and the global crypto community. Although the details of the recovery remain undisclosed, the statue is now in the city’s possession, signaling a peaceful resolution to the incident [2]. The artwork had become a popular landmark and an important cultural touchstone for the region’s growing association with cryptocurrency [2]. Its return is expected to reinforce Lugano’s position as a hub for blockchain innovation and restore public confidence in the city’s symbolic representation of digital finance.

The events highlight the increasing intersection of cryptocurrency culture with public art and civic space. As digital assets gain greater mainstream recognition, their physical and symbolic representations are also coming under greater public and political scrutiny. The recovery of the statue underscores the importance of protecting such cultural symbols, particularly in communities that see them as central to their identity and progress [1].

The statue’s return also coincides with continued global interest in Bitcoin’s cultural and economic impact. Earlier this year, the world’s 11th richest person was identified as a Bitcoin creator, further elevating the profile of the cryptocurrency and its foundational myths [1].

Source:

[1] Iconic Satoshi Nakamoto statue recovered by Lugano (https://cointelegraph.com/news/iconic-satoshi-nakamoto-statue-recovered-lugano)

[2] Bitcoin Creator's Statue Stolen from Swiss City (https://thearabianpost.com/bitcoin-creators-statue-stolen-from-swiss-city/)