The Satoshi Nakamoto statue in Lugano, Switzerland, was stolen in early August 2025, leading the Satoshi Gallery to offer a 0.1 BTC bounty for information that results in its recovery.
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The statue, symbolizing Bitcoin’s creator, disappeared from Villa Ciani park under suspicious circumstances.
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A witness suggested intoxicated individuals may have thrown the statue into a nearby lake to avoid detection.
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The Satoshi Gallery is actively seeking leads, reinforcing the statue’s importance to the global Bitcoin community.
Satoshi Nakamoto statue stolen in Lugano; 0.1 BTC bounty offered for recovery. Stay updated with the latest crypto news and insights.
What Happened to the Satoshi Nakamoto Statue in Lugano?
The Satoshi Nakamoto statue, a tribute to Bitcoin’s enigmatic creator, was stolen from its prominent display in Lugano’s Villa Ciani park on August 2, 2025. This statue is one of three worldwide and represents Nakamoto’s vision and elusive identity. The theft was first reported by a local social media user, raising immediate concerns within the crypto community.
How Did the Theft Occur According to Witnesses?
A witness named Gritto reported seeing the statue intact on the night of August 1, just before a group of intoxicated individuals passed by. He theorized that the statue, secured only by two points, could have been easily moved and possibly thrown into the adjacent lake to avoid detection. Cameras are present throughout the city, but the statue’s disappearance remains unresolved.
The Original Statue in Lugano, Switzerland. Source: X/Lugano Plan B
What Is the Satoshi Gallery Doing to Recover the Statue?
The Satoshi Gallery has responded swiftly by announcing a 0.1 BTC bounty, worth approximately $11,359, for any information leading to the statue’s recovery. This initiative highlights the statue’s cultural significance within the Bitcoin ecosystem and the community’s dedication to preserving its legacy.
What Is the Significance of the Statue and Its Global Presence?
Unveiled in October 2024 by Plan B and the City of Lugano, the statue symbolizes Satoshi Nakamoto’s retreat from public life and Bitcoin’s decentralized ethos. Its unique design allows it to vanish from view as the observer moves, reflecting Nakamoto’s mysterious nature. This statue is part of a series of 21 identical installations worldwide, with others located in El Zonte, El Salvador, and Tokyo, Japan.
What Are the Next Steps for the Satoshi Gallery?
Despite this setback, the Satoshi Gallery remains committed to its mission, planning to install 18 additional statues globally. This ongoing project aims to celebrate Bitcoin’s origins and inspire decentralized innovation worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly was the Satoshi Nakamoto statue located before it was stolen?
The statue was prominently displayed in Villa Ciani park, Lugano, symbolizing Bitcoin’s creator and his vision. It was secured by two points but was vulnerable to removal.
How can someone help recover the stolen statue?
If you have any information about the statue’s whereabouts, you can contact the Satoshi Gallery to claim the 0.1 BTC bounty. Community involvement is crucial to recovering this important symbol.
Key Takeaways
- Satoshi Nakamoto statue stolen: The artwork disappeared from Lugano’s Villa Ciani park in August 2025.
- Possible lake disposal: Witnesses suspect intoxicated individuals may have thrown the statue into a nearby lake.
- Bounty announced: The Satoshi Gallery offers 0.1 BTC for information leading to the statue’s recovery.
Conclusion
The theft of the Satoshi Nakamoto statue in Lugano marks a significant event in the crypto world, underscoring the community’s attachment to Bitcoin’s origins. With a 0.1 BTC bounty in place, efforts to recover the statue continue, reflecting the enduring legacy and decentralized spirit that Satoshi represents. The Satoshi Gallery’s commitment to expanding this global tribute remains unwavering, promising more installations worldwide.
