Bitcoin News Today: Satoshi Nakamoto Statue Vandalized in Lake Lugano Amid Crypto Community Outcry

A 2.5-meter bronze statue of Satoshi Nakamoto, the enigmatic figure behind Bitcoin, was found vandalized and partially submerged in Lake Lugano, Switzerland. Created by Valentina Picozzi and commissioned by the art collective Satoshigallery, the statue was originally installed at Parco Ciani in October 2024. It disappeared during the Swiss National Day celebrations in early August 2025 and was later discovered in multiple pieces along the riverbank and in the lake, with only the feet remaining attached to its base. The deliberate nature of the damage suggests the act was not motivated by financial gain but rather by symbolic or ideological intent [1].

Municipal workers were responsible for recovering the statue, a process that highlighted vulnerabilities in the security of public art installations. The art collective had previously offered a 0.1 BTC reward—equivalent to over $11,000—for information leading to the recovery of the statue. Despite the loss, the group remains committed to its mission, with plans to install similar statues in 21 global locations [2]. In a statement, Satoshigallery expressed resilience, declaring, “You can steal our symbol, but you will never be able to steal our souls,” underscoring their continued dedication to honoring Satoshi Nakamoto’s legacy [3].

The incident has sparked strong reactions within the cryptocurrency community. Gabor Gurbacs, founder and CEO of Pointsville, condemned the vandalism as “tasteless and stupid,” while others, including pseudonymous advocate Grittoshi, speculated the act might have been a prank linked to the Swiss National Day festivities [4]. The Bitcoin community has largely shown support for the recovery efforts, with social media platforms amplifying calls for enhanced security measures for public installations representing cultural and economic icons [5].

Historically, incidents of vandalism targeting Bitcoin-related symbols have not led to significant market disruptions. For instance, the placement of a Bitcoin cap on the “Fearless Girl” statue in New York did not translate into tangible financial consequences for the asset. Similarly, this latest event appears to have had no direct impact on Bitcoin’s price or liquidity [6]. The broader narrative remains one of resilience, with the crypto community emphasizing the enduring cultural and symbolic importance of Bitcoin, regardless of physical representations [7].

Despite the setback, Satoshigallery remains proactive and focused on future initiatives. The collective’s commitment to global tributes to Satoshi Nakamoto reinforces Bitcoin’s ongoing cultural significance and the movement’s determination to maintain its presence in both digital and physical spaces.

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Sources:

[1] Cointelegraph, [https://cointelegraph.com/news/iconic-satoshi-nakamoto-statue-recovered-lugano](https://cointelegraph.com/news/iconic-satoshi-nakamoto-statue-recovered-lugano)

[2] Bitbo, [https://bitbo.io/news/satoshi-statue-lugano-recovered/](https://bitbo.io/news/satoshi-statue-lugano-recovered/)

[3] CryptoRank, [https://cryptorank.io/news/feed/5c093-iconic-satoshi-nakamoto-statue-recovered-vandalism](https://cryptorank.io/news/feed/5c093-iconic-satoshi-nakamoto-statue-recovered-vandalism)

[4] Brave, [https://bravenewcoin.com/insights/vandalized-not-vanquished-satoshi-nakamoto-statue-fished-out-of-lake-lugano](https://bravenewcoin.com/insights/vandalized-not-vanquished-satoshi-nakamoto-statue-fished-out-of-lake-lugano)

[5] AInvest, [https://www.ainvest.com/news/bitcoin-news-today-iconic-satoshi-nakamoto-statue-recovered-lake-lugano-vandalism-2508/](https://www.ainvest.com/news/bitcoin-news-today-iconic-satoshi-nakamoto-statue-recovered-lake-lugano-vandalism-2508/)

[6] 99Bitcoins, [https://99bitcoins.com/news/presales/satoshi-nakamoto-statue-stolen-in-switzerland-0-1-btc-crypto-reward-on-offer-for-its-return/](https://99bitcoins.com/news/presales/satoshi-nakamoto-statue-stolen-in-switzerland-0-1-btc-crypto-reward-on-offer-for-its-return/)