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

The iconic bronze statue of Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin, has been recovered by the municipality of Lugano, Switzerland, after it was stolen and vandalized in early July [1]. The statue, installed by the art collective Satoshigallery, had been removed from its base in Parco Ciani, a popular lakefront park in the Swiss city, and subsequently thrown into Lake Lugano [2]. Municipal workers retrieved the artwork in pieces, suggesting deliberate damage rather than an attempt at traditional theft. The statue was only partially welded to its base, leaving the feet intact [2].

The incident has drawn significant attention from the Bitcoin community, with many expressing outrage and disappointment. Gabor Gurbacs, CEO of Pointsville, described the act as "tasteless and stupid," while others speculated that drunk revelers celebrating Swiss National Day may have been responsible [2]. Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino responded with a heart emoji on social media, signaling a subdued but supportive reaction [2]. Satoshigallery, the art collective behind the statue, emphasized its enduring symbolic value and reiterated its commitment to displaying similar works in 21 global locations [2].

The statue, created by Italian artist Valentina Picozzi, was unveiled in October 2024 after 21 months of planning and construction. It quickly became a flagship symbol of the Bitcoin movement, attracting both tourists and crypto investors to the area [2]. The theft and recovery have reignited discussions about the protection of public art linked to the cryptocurrency ecosystem, particularly in a region where Lugano has emerged as a hub for blockchain innovation [3].

While the municipality has not yet disclosed whether the statue will be restored to its original location or relocated to a more secure site, officials have indicated that community input will be sought as part of the decision-making process [1]. The event underscores the growing cultural footprint of Bitcoin, extending beyond financial markets to influence public art and civic identity [3].

Source:

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

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

[3] BTCUSD - Iconic Satoshi Nakamoto statue recovered by ... (https://mx.advfn.com/bolsa-de-valores/COIN/BTCUSD/crypto-news/96549756/iconic-satoshi-nakamoto-statue-recovered-by-lugano)