Iconic Satoshi Nakamoto Statue Stolen: Symbol of Bitcoin’s Creator Found Broken in Lake Lugano

2025-08-04

The iconic Satoshi Nakamoto statue, a powerful symbol of Bitcoin's mysterious creator, has gone missing, and now been found shattered, at the bottom of Lake Lugano, Switzerland.

Installed in Parco Ciani as part of a global tribute to Satoshi Nakamoto, the event marks a poignant moment for the crypto community and raises questions about the vulnerability of physical monuments in the digital age.

Unveiled in October 2024, this striking statue was one of 21 planned global installations honoring Nakamoto’s decentralized vision.

Designed by Italian artist Valentina Picozzi, its striped vertical form revealed an abstract image of Satoshi when viewed from afar, visually capturing the enigma of Bitcoin’s founder.

Satoshi Nakamoto Statue Missing Amid National Day Festivities

Reports suggest that the theft occurred sometime between August 1 and 2, 2025, coinciding with Swiss National Day celebrations.

Witnesses mentioned groups of intoxicated individuals passing by the site, and given the statue was only modestly secured at two anchor points, it was likely dislodged and tossed into the lake.

The Satoshi Nakamoto symbol, meant to inspire reflection on financial sovereignty, was quickly noticed to be missing.

In response, the Satoshi Gallery, which oversees the statue initiative, announced a 0.1 BTC bounty (worth approximately $11,000) for any information that would lead to the statue’s recovery.

Recovery Reveals Vandalism, Not Theft for Profit

Divers eventually recovered the statue’s broken remains from Lake Lugano, not far from its original base. Initial observations suggest that the damage was not incidental, this was likely an act of vandalism rather than a planned theft for resale.

The base was still attached, implying it was forcefully removed and discarded rather than carefully extracted.

This incident highlights the delicate balance between celebrating digital innovation with real-world artifacts and protecting those artifacts from careless or malicious actions.

Community Commitment: The Legacy of Satoshi Lives On

Despite the setback, the organizers remain undeterred.

The Satoshi Gallery reaffirmed their commitment to continuing the global installation project. More statues will be erected in strategic global locations as a tribute to Bitcoin’s origins and Satoshi Nakamoto’s lasting influence.

This global effort symbolizes:

Decentralization and borderless value systems
The mystery and mythology surrounding Satoshi Nakamoto
The crypto community’s respect for innovation and privacy
A reminder of Bitcoin’s evolution from whitepaper to global force

Final Thoughts

The destruction of the iconic Satoshi Nakamoto statue is more than just an act of vandalism, it’s a moment of reflection for the crypto world. While physical statues may break, the ideology they represent cannot be drowned or destroyed.

As the community rebuilds and expands the initiative, Satoshi Nakamoto’s symbol will remain alive, now with an even deeper narrative of resilience.

FAQ

What happened to the Satoshi Nakamoto statue in Lugano?

It was reportedly stolen during Swiss National Day festivities and later found broken at the bottom of Lake Lugano, likely due to deliberate vandalism.

Who created the Satoshi Nakamoto statue?

Italian artist Valentina Picozzi designed the life-sized statue, which uses vertical lines to depict Satoshi’s image from a distance.

Why are there 21 Satoshi Nakamoto statues planned globally?

The number 21 reflects the 21 million Bitcoin cap, symbolizing scarcity and decentralization. Each statue honors Satoshi’s legacy in different regions.