Satoshi Nakamoto Statue Stolen in Lugano, Artist Offers BTC Reward for Return

Lugano’s striking tribute to Satoshi Nakamoto, the enigmatic creator of Bitcoin, has vanished — leaving behind only empty ground and unanswered questions.

The public artwork, unveiled in October 2024 during the Plan B Forum, was designed by Italian artist Valentina Picozzi as an optical illusion made of vertical slats. When viewed from the correct angle, the structure revealed a ghostlike image of Satoshi fading into code — a fitting symbol of Bitcoin’s elusive origins.

The installation was part of Lugano’s broader push, supported by Swiss-Tether, to position the city as a global hub for Bitcoin adoption. Since its unveiling, the statue had become a popular landmark for crypto tourists and locals alike.

But on the morning of August 4, 2025, the statue was gone.

The disappearance was first reported by X user @Grittoshi, who speculated the piece may have been thrown into the nearby lake. No official confirmation has been provided.

In response, Picozzi’s art collective, Satoshigallery, announced a 0.1 BTC reward for any information leading to the statue’s recovery. In a post on X, they wrote:

“We are offering 0.1 BTC to whoever will help us recover the Statue of Satoshi Nakamoto that was stolen yesterday in Lugano. You can steal our symbol, but you will never be able to steal our souls. We are all in this together and committed to place the statue in 21 places around the world.”

The theft comes at a symbolic moment, as Bitcoin adoption accelerates globally and cities like Lugano continue to invest in crypto-focused infrastructure and cultural initiatives.

As for the missing statue — its absence now echoes the mystery of the figure it honors: Satoshi Nakamoto, who disappeared from public view over a decade ago.