Bitcoin News Today: Vandalism Shatters Satoshi Nakamoto Statue in Switzerland Amid Global Bitcoin Outrage

The mysterious Satoshi Nakamoto statue, a cultural and ideological symbol for the global Bitcoin community, was reported stolen in early December 2024 from Parco Ciani in Lugano, Switzerland, and subsequently found in a ruined state at the bottom of Lake Lugano [1]. The sculpture, designed by Italian artist Valentina Picozzi, was installed by the art collective Satoshigallery and unveiled in October 2024 as a tribute to the anonymous creator of Bitcoin [1]. The 21-month project aimed to celebrate Nakamoto's legacy and the decentralized nature of Bitcoin [1].

Upon its theft, municipal workers later retrieved the shattered statue, revealing that it had been deliberately destroyed rather than stolen for financial gain. The sculpture was welded to its base at only two points, which remained intact, suggesting the act was a targeted act of vandalism [1]. The art collective Satoshigallery responded by offering a 0.1 BTC reward (valued at over $11,000 at the time) for information leading to the statue’s recovery. However, the group did not provide further public commentary on the matter [1].

The Bitcoin community reacted strongly to the incident. Influencers such as Gabor Gurbacs expressed outrage, calling the act “tasteless and stupid,” while others speculated on the motives behind the vandalism [1]. Pseudonymous figure Gritto suggested it might have coincided with a national celebration in Switzerland, though this has not been verified [1]. Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino publicly supported the statue's recovery, posting a heart emoji in solidarity with the Bitcoin community's response [1].

Satoshigallery reaffirmed its commitment to the project, vowing to continue honoring Nakamoto's legacy. The collective announced plans to install similar statues in 21 cities worldwide, emphasizing that the vandalism would not deter their mission [1]. The incident highlights the growing cultural significance of Bitcoin and the deep emotional connection the community shares with its symbols. Despite the destruction of the physical statue, the underlying principles of Bitcoin—decentralization, transparency, and innovation—remain unshaken.

The retrieval of the statue marks a turning point for the Bitcoin community, reinforcing Nakamoto's vision while demonstrating the resilience of its supporters. As Satoshigallery continues its global initiative, the story of the destroyed statue serves as both a cautionary tale and a testament to the enduring power of Bitcoin's decentralized ethos [1].

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Source: [1] https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/6890c1873850b5140f142c32/