Bitcoin News Today: Stolen Satoshi Statue Recovered from Lake in Lugano

A statue in Lugano, Switzerland, commemorating Bitcoin’s enigmatic creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, was reported stolen in early August 2025. The 2.5-meter bronze sculpture, installed in Parco Ciani, was part of a global initiative led by the Satoshigallery group to honor the decentralized digital currency movement [1]. Unveiled in October 2024, the statue was a centerpiece at the Plan ₿ Forum, an event co-organized by the city of Lugano and Tether to promote crypto adoption [2]. When residents awoke to the news that the statue was missing, the local and global crypto communities were left in shock [3].

Initial investigations suggested the statue was not merely stolen but also vandalized and thrown into Lake Lugano. Reports indicated that the sculpture was broken into fragments and partially submerged in the water [4]. The Satoshigallery group immediately responded by offering a reward of 0.1 BTC (approximately $11,900 at the time) for information leading to the recovery of the artwork [5]. In a statement, they emphasized, “You can steal our symbol, but you will never be able to steal our souls” [6].

The circumstances of the theft remain unclear. While some reports suggested it was a targeted act, others, such as social media user @Grittoshi, claimed the statue was toppled during celebrations for Swiss National Day on August 1. The sculpture, reportedly welded at only two points, was allegedly knocked into the lake by intoxicated revelers [7]. The conflicting narratives have fueled debate over whether the incident was a prank, an act of vandalism, or a deliberate attempt to damage a symbol of the crypto movement [8].

In a critical update, municipal divers and recovery teams successfully retrieved the statue from the lake. Though broken, the sculpture was found intact enough for restoration. The city of Lugano and the Satoshigallery group both expressed gratitude for the swift recovery, with the latter confirming the artwork is now in their possession for repairs [9]. The Satoshigallery also reaffirmed its commitment to continuing its global initiative, with plans to install Satoshi statues in 21 cities worldwide [10].

The theft and recovery have sparked broader discussions about the vulnerability of public art in the crypto space. While the statue was meant to inspire and symbolize the resilience of Bitcoin’s community, the incident highlighted the need for greater security in protecting such cultural assets [11]. Local businesses in Lugano reported a noticeable dip in tourist traffic following the incident, prompting city officials to pledge support for the statue’s restoration and to implement stronger security measures at future crypto-themed events [12].

Despite the setback, the Satoshigallery remains optimistic. The successful retrieval of the statue and the public response have reinforced the community’s determination to preserve the legacy of Satoshi Nakamoto. As the sculpture undergoes restoration, it will likely remain a powerful emblem of blockchain’s enduring influence and the spirit of its adherents [13].

Source:

[1] Satoshi Nakamoto Statue Stolen in Lugano, 0.1 BTC (https://cointelegraph.com/news/satoshi-nakamoto-statue-stolen-lugano-0-1-btc-reward)

[2] Satoshi Statue Stolen? Lugano Wakes up To Find Bitcoin (https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2025/08/03/where-is-satoshi-nakamoto-statue-honouring-the-bitcoin-creator-gets-stolen-in-lugano)

[3] Satoshi Nakamoto Statue Stolen In Switzerland: 0.1 BTC (https://99bitcoins.com/news/presales/satoshi-nakamoto-statue-stolen-in-switzerland-0-1-btc-crypto-reward-on-offer-for-its-return/)

[4] Satoshi Nakamoto statue stolen and dumped in lake in (https://www.mitrade.com/insights/news/live-news/article-3-1007987-20250803)

[5] Where is Satoshi Nakamoto? Statue Honouring the Bitcoin (https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/where-satoshi-nakamoto-statue-honouring-090342924.html)

[6] Bitcoin News Today: Bitcoin's Satoshi Statue Recovered (https://www.ainvest.com/news/bitcoin-news-today-bitcoin-satoshi-statue-recovered-lake-vandalism-incident-2508/)

[7] Where's Satoshi? Statue of Bitcoin creator gets stolen (https://cryptobriefing.com/bitcoin-statue-theft-lugano/)

[8] Satoshi Nakamoto statue in Lugano, Switzerland was (https://www.instagram.com/p/DM5MayUhKHX/)

[9] Satoshi Nakamoto Statue Stolen in Lugano (https://www.binance.com/en/square/post/08-03-2025-satoshi-nakamoto-statue-stolen-in-lugano-27803552964266)

[10] The Satoshi statue in Lugano, Switzerland appears to have (https://www.reddit.com/r/Bitcoin/comments/1mfzzhn/the_satoshi_statue_in_lugano_switzerland_appears/)