Iconic Satoshi Statue Stolen in Lugano, 0.1 BTC Reward Offered
Symbol of Bitcoin’s anonymous creator vanishes, sparking global outcry and calls for its return
A statue commemorating the pseudonymous Bitcoin creator Satoshi Nakamoto has been stolen from Parco Ciani in Lugano, Switzerland. The installation, designed to vanish when viewed from certain angles, was taken sometime over the weekend, prompting organizers to issue a 0.1 BTC bounty-worth over $11,000-for any information leading to its recovery.
The theft was confirmed by Satoshigallery, the collective behind the global Satoshi statue project, which aims to place identical monuments in 21 cities worldwide. “Where is Satoshi?” the group asked in a post on X. “You can steal our symbol but you will never be able to steal our souls,” they added, vowing to press on with their international mission despite the setback.
Created by Italian artist and Bitcoin advocate Valentina Picozzi, the statue is crafted from stainless steel and corten blocks. It was originally unveiled during the October 2023 edition of the Plan B Forum, Lugano’s annual crypto-focused event.
Anonymity made visible: “We are all Satoshi”
The stolen statue depicts a faceless individual hunched over a laptop, constructed to appear invisible when viewed directly from the front or back. This disappearing effect serves as a metaphor for Nakamoto’s anonymity and the broader belief within the crypto community that “we are all Satoshi.”
The sculpture took 18 months of conceptual development and three months of fabrication. It was prominently placed in front of Villa Ciani, symbolizing Lugano’s increasing role in blockchain adoption and digital finance.
“Lugano is rapidly becoming a leading hub for digital innovation,” said Mayor Michele Foletti at the unveiling. “This statue honors Satoshi Nakamoto, but also embodies the forward-thinking spirit that drives our city.”
The Lugano piece follows a growing tradition of public tributes to Bitcoin’s founder. In 2021, Budapest introduced a bronze Satoshi statue with a mirrored face, inviting viewers to see themselves in the figure-again reinforcing the collective identity at the heart of Bitcoin’s philosophy.
The $131 billion ghost: Nakamoto’s rising wealth
As speculation around Satoshi’s identity continues, so does the theoretical growth of their wealth. Following Bitcoin’s climb to $120,000 last month, Nakamoto became-on paper-the 11th richest individual in the world, with holdings of 1.096 million BTC now valued at over $131 billion.
To eclipse Elon Musk’s $404 billion net worth, Bitcoin would need to surge past $370,000 per coin. Despite their immense fortune, Nakamoto’s wallets have never been touched-adding to the legend and mystique that the stolen Lugano statue was designed to capture.
