Lugano, Switzerland (August 3, 2025) – A striking piece of crypto-art honoring Bitcoin’s pseudonymous creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, was reported stolen from Parco Ciani and later discovered broken in Lake Ceresio, near Lugano’s river mouth.
🏛️ The Statue & Its Symbolism
The life-sized sculpture—crafted by Italian artist Valentina Picozzi and part of the Satoshigallery initiative—was unveiled on October 25, 2024 during Lugano’s 3rd Plan ₿ Forum. Made from 304 stainless steel and Corten steel, the work is engineered to visually disappear when viewed head-on, symbolizing Satoshi’s anonymity and inviting viewers to embody the slogan, “We are all Satoshi”
🚨 The Theft & Recovery
Local media and witnesses report the statue vanished overnight between August 1–2, 2025, likely during Swiss National Day celebrations. A photo from X user Gritto shows the pedestal empty as festivities unfolded nearby
Shortly thereafter, authorities recovered the statue—severely damaged—from the adjacent lake, supporting suspicions it had been tossed from its former riverside location.Tweets from witnesses confirm fragments were found along with the engraved nameplate reading “Satoshi Nakamoto” and the artist’s name.
💰 0.1 BTC Reward & Global Vision
Satoshigallery swiftly offered a 0.1 BTC reward (over USD 11,000) for credible information leading to the statue’s safe recovery. In a post shared via X, the group stated: “Where is Satoshi? You can steal our symbol but you will never be able to steal our souls.” The group also pledged to proceed with its mission to install similar statues in 21 cities worldwide
🌍 Legacy Beyond the Incident
Despite the incident, this remains the second major tribute to Satoshi—the first being a mirrored bronze statue installed in Budapest’s Graphisoft Park in 2021.
Lugano’s installation cemented the city’s reputation as a forward-thinking Bitcoin hub—one where over 100 local merchants already accept BTC via the Lightning Network, and taxes can be paid in crypto thanks to its partnership with Tether’s Plan ₿ initiative, launched in March 2022 .
🔍 What Happens Next
Law enforcement in Lugano is reviewing surveillance footage and pursuing leads.
Satoshigallery confirmed that their 21-city statue series remains on track despite setbacks.
Local officials have expressed concern over vandalism and are weighing improved security for public art.