Satoshi Nakamoto statue was stolen
In early August 2025, a statue of Bitcoin founder Satoshi Nakamoto was vandalized and thrown into a lake in the Swiss city of Lugano, provoking strong condemnation from the crypto community. The statue was designed by Italian artist Valentina Picozzi, using a transparent hollow style, symbolizing Satoshi Nakamoto's anonymity and the spirit of decentralization.
According to the art group Satoshigallery, the statue has been an important symbol for the Bitcoin community since its installation in Parco Ciani park by the lakeside in Lugano in October 2024. However, the statue was recently forcibly removed from its base by unknown individuals and thrown into Lake Lugano. The statue was only secured by two points of welding on its legs, making the destruction process relatively easy.
The statue was found but is severely damaged
According to the Lugano municipal authorities, the statue was last found in a nearby lake 'broken into several pieces', showing obvious signs of deliberate destruction, indicating that the suspect did not steal it for resale or profit. The statue's legs are still welded to the base, showing it was forcibly pulled off and thrown into the water.
User Gritto speculated that the destroyers might be a group of young people who caused trouble while celebrating Swiss National Day (August 1) after drinking. After the statue was destroyed, Satoshigallery offered a reward of 0.1 Bitcoin (approximately $11,000) for clues, but with the police successfully recovering the statue, the reward will no longer be issued.
Community support and follow-up reconstruction efforts
The Bitcoin community reacted strongly to this incident. Pointsville CEO Gabor Gurbacs stated:
'This is a stupid and low-class act, and I hope the perpetrators can be found.'
Satoshigallery also responded on the X platform:
'You can destroy our symbols, but you cannot steal our souls.'
Satoshigallery also stated that they will continue their global project to install the same Satoshi statue in 21 cities around the world, with installations already completed in El Salvador and Japan. Regarding the Swiss incident, the artist and team pledged to cover the costs of rebuilding and reinstalling the statue, provided the city government is willing to assist in ensuring future safety.
A related petition has also been launched on Change.org, calling for the city government to support the reconstruction of the statue. Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino also shared the petition on X.
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