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In a sudden blow to the global crypto community, the statue of Bitcoin’s mysterious creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, has been stolen from its public location in Ciani Park (Villa Ciani) in Lugano, Switzerland. Reports indicate that the theft occurred late at night, and authorities are currently investigating the incident.
The bronze statue was officially unveiled on October 25, 2024, during a ceremony organized by Tether in cooperation with the city’s initiative. The installation aimed to honor Nakamoto's legacy and highlight the rise of decentralized finance.
The project was the work of Italian artist Valentina Picozzi, who dedicated 18 months to research and another three months to constructing the sculpture. Its abstract, faceless design symbolized Nakamoto’s anonymity and the core values of the crypto movement: decentralization, privacy, and community empowerment.
News of the theft sparked shock and outrage among crypto enthusiasts, artists, and local residents. The disappearance of a monument symbolizing digital freedom and innovation has raised concerns about the security of public art linked to the crypto space.
In response, the Satoshigallery team — led by Picozzi and responsible for the statue’s creation — published a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), offering a reward of 0.1 BTC for any information leading to the recovery of the artwork.
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“You can steal our symbol, but you will never be able to steal our souls,” the post read.
The Satoshigallery team also confirmed its commitment to placing similar statues in 21 locations worldwide. This number reflects the limited supply of 21 million Bitcoins and reinforces the philosophical and economic principles of the cryptocurrency. Ironically, the theft has only brought more attention and determination to the project.
As of now, no suspects have been identified, and the statue remains missing. Lugano police are urging anyone with information to come forward, as the search continues for what has become more than just a work of art — a cultural and ideological emblem of a financial revolution.
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