The Great Bitcoin Heist: Statue of Satoshi Nakamoto Vanishes in Switzerland
In a twist worthy of a mystery novel, a statue dedicated to the enigmatic creator of Bitcoin, Satoshi Nakamoto, has been swiped from its home in Parco Ciani, Lugano, Switzerland.
The Heist and the Hunt
The folks at Satoshigallery, who spearhead the worldwide Satoshi statue initiative, have confirmed the theft. They’re now dangling a tempting 0.1 Bitcoin reward (that is over $11,000 for those keeping track) for any intel that may lead to the statue’s protected return.
In an emotional post on X, the group defiantly declared, “Where is Satoshi? You can steal our symbol but you will never be able to steal our souls.” Even within the face of adversity, their resolve to plant Satoshi statues in 21 cities worldwide stays unshaken.
Art with a Message
Crafted by Italian artist and Bitcoin aficionado Valentina Picozzi, the artwork was a striking mix of 304 stainless-steel and corten blocks. Unveiled just last October, it wasn’t only a statue but a logo of mystery. Designed to fade when viewed from the front or back, it captured the anonymity of Bitcoin’s creator and the concept that “we are all Satoshi.”
Its installation in front of Villa Ciani coincided with the Plan B Forum, a renowned yearly blockchain gathering co-hosted by Lugano and stablecoin issuer Tether. Mayor Michele Foletti saw it as a testament to town’s dedication to digital innovation, proclaiming, “Lugano is rapidly becoming a leading hub for digital innovation, and this statue honors Satoshi Nakamoto, but also embodies the forward-thinking spirit that drives our city.”
Satoshi within the World of Art
This is not the primary time the elusive Nakamoto has been immortalized in public art. Back in 2021, Budapest unveiled a bronze statue in Graphisoft Park, featuring a mirrored face to let onlookers see themselves as Satoshi, a nod to the notion that Nakamoto might be anyone.
The Wealth of a Ghost
In an intriguing coincidence, Satoshi Nakamoto is now theoretically the eleventh richest person on the planet, because of Bitcoin’s recent surge past $120,000. With control of 1.096 million BTC—valued at over $131 billion—Nakamoto is just a couple of crypto jumps away from surpassing Elon Musk, the present wealth king with a net price of over $404 billion. Yet, Nakamoto’s wallets remain untouched, adding more layers to the enigma surrounding Bitcoin’s shadowy founder.
