03.08.2025 21:26
A brazen theft has targeted a significant symbol of the cryptocurrency world: the Satoshi Nakamoto statue in Lugano, Switzerland, has vanished. The Satoshigallery, responsible for the global initiative to erect these statues honoring Bitcoin's enigmatic creator, confirmed the theft and is offering a substantial reward—0.1 Bitcoin (currently valued at over $11,000)—for information leading to its recovery. Their defiant X post, simply asking "Where is Satoshi?", underscored their unwavering dedication to their project despite this setback.
This act of vandalism, however, hasn't deterred Satoshigallery’s ambitious plan to install 21 Satoshi statues worldwide. Their statement, "You can steal our symbol but you will never be able to steal our souls," powerfully reflects their commitment. The stolen artwork, a meticulously crafted piece by Italian artist Valentina Picozzi, consisted of 304 stainless steel and corten blocks, a testament to its artistic and symbolic value. Unveiled only last October, the statue's sudden disappearance has ignited a wave of discussions surrounding its significance and the identity of the thief.
The statue's design, a faceless figure engrossed at a laptop, masterfully embodies the anonymity surrounding Satoshi Nakamoto. Its clever construction, designed to disappear when viewed from the front or back, visually represents the collective identity of Bitcoin and the idea that "we are all Satoshi." This innovative concept, born from 18 months of research and culminating in three months of construction, was more than just a sculpture; it was an embodiment of Bitcoin's philosophy.
Strategically positioned in front of Villa Ciani during the Plan B Forum, a prominent blockchain event co-hosted by Lugano and Tether, the statue served as a symbol of Lugano's commitment to digital innovation. Mayor Michele Foletti, during its unveiling, praised the statue as a reflection of the city's forward-thinking approach to technology. The theft, therefore, is not only a loss for art but also a blow to Lugano's aspirations as a leading hub for digital innovation.
This incident is not the first attempt to publicly commemorate Nakamoto. A bronze statue, featuring a mirrored face allowing viewers to see themselves as Satoshi, was previously unveiled in Budapest in 2021, demonstrating the ongoing fascination and intrigue surrounding the Bitcoin creator's identity. This latest theft, however, highlights the vulnerability of public art and the passion surrounding the mysteries of Bitcoin’s origins. Information gleaned from internet sources corroborates this narrative.
