An event that resonates significantly occurred in Lugano: the statue of Satoshi Nakamoto, erected in homage to the decentralized spirit of bitcoin, was vandalized during the celebrations of Swiss National Day, capturing significant attention within the crypto community.
A Shocking Disappearance in Lugano
The statue of Satoshi Nakamoto, unveiled in Lugano in October 2024, was reported stolen on August 3, 2025. The work by Italian artist Valentina Picozzi depicted a faceless silhouette symbolizing the anonymity of the bitcoin creator. The following day, municipal services found the statue in pieces along the shore and in the lake's waters. As investigators discovered, the statue was secured by only two points, facilitating its removal.
A Symbolic Attack on the Spirit of Bitcoin
The events surrounding the statue sparked serious reflections on the role of physical symbols in a digital world. Lugano's Mayor, Michele Foletti, highlighted that the statue became a symbol of local commitment to breakthrough technologies. The vandalism served as a test of the community's ideals, which, as it turns out, are supported far more by intangible objects.
Community Reaction to the Incident
The crypto community reacted with surprise to the incident, which reignited discussions about the strength of symbols in the context of cultural and digital identities. The Satoshigallery group offered a reward of 0.1 BTC for information about the statue's whereabouts. Tether CEO, Paolo Ardoino, expressed his support with a simple heart on social media. This demonstrates that despite the destruction of the statue, the community's ideas and values remain steadfast.
The episode of vandalism highlights the importance of educational dialogue and cultural reflection on tokens in modern society. Cryptocurrency symbols remain under threat of misunderstanding, and their significance in public space requires affirmation.
