Who Took Lugano’s Satoshi Nakamoto Statue?

In an unexpected development, citizens of Lugano were puzzled to find the city’s famous statue of Bitcoin‘s elusive founder, Satoshi Nakamoto, missing. The artwork, crafted by the Italian artist Valentina Picozzi, was first introduced during the Plan B Bitcoin event on October 25, 2024, marking Lugano’s significant connection to the cryptocurrency world. This incident was first highlighted by a social media post from a user named Grittoshi, after which SatoshiGallery offered a 0.1 BTC reward for any information about the stolen statue. Recently, a third statue was revealed in Tokyo, highlighting the project’s global reach.

What Led to This Mystery?

The situation became more puzzling when it was found that, despite having security systems in place, no footage captured the removal of the statue. The steel brackets holding the artwork at Piazza Indipendenza were carefully removed, leaving only a slab of concrete. The statue was designed to show a silhouette of Satoshi Nakamoto, becoming invisible when viewed from a unique perspective. Although local authorities have yet to release any official comments, it is evident from social media images that the statue’s site remains vacant.

Grittoshi later speculated online that the statue might have been discarded in Lake Ceresio. This theory, backed by photographic evidence, gained viral traction, yet diver investigations yielded no leads. Law enforcement is considering further explorations of the lake’s depths, but definitive answers are elusive.

Is There a Bounty on the Statue?

A bounty was soon announced, with the SatoshiGallery proclaiming,

“You can steal our symbol, but never our spirit.”

In response, an offer of 0.1 BTC was promised for valuable tips leading to the statue’s retrieval. The reward, now approximately worth $11,262, has galvanized diverse segments of the community including collectors and residents, heightening their efforts in searching and hypothesizing about its whereabouts.

Despite the apparent setback, the project’s team remains unfazed. They aim to install Satoshi Nakamoto statues across 21 nations, showcasing their unwavering commitment. Previously, Lugano emerged as a focal point for cryptocurrency activities, as highlighted by the “Plan B” initiative. The loss of the statue, a focal symbol, underscores the importance of maintaining the city’s esteemed crypto image.

Key takeaways from this curious incident include:

• The absence of security footage suggests meticulous planning.
• Efforts to locate the statue have intensified, involving both residents and global crypto enthusiasts.
• The city of Lugano continues to strengthen its position in the cryptocurrency sector despite hurdles.

As the search for Lugano’s lost statue continues, the community remains hopeful. Each passing day fuels efforts to restore the icon that significantly embodies the city’s identity as a burgeoning cryptocurrency hub. This mystery continues to captivate not only local citizens but also the international crypto community, sparking discussions and investigations about what truly transpired.