Cologne Police Seize Robot as Two Young Men Are Suspected of Harassing a 16-Year-Old Girl

Police in the German city of Cologne have opened an investigation into two young men suspected of sexually harassing a 16-year-old girl with the help of a robot. The case is being handled by police in the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The incident took place in the city centre and raises questions about the use of technology against people.

What happened

The victim was with friends near a fast-food restaurant. According to police, at around midnight a red-and-gold robot, roughly 1.20 metres tall, approached her from behind, touched her buttocks and made indecent movements. The girl screamed, and the robot backed away.

Police established that the robot belongs to a 16-year-old, who was acting together with a 19-year-old acquaintance. The two streamed the incident live on social media, commenting on it themselves and mocking the victim.

Detention

Emergency services nearby were called to the scene immediately. Shortly after the incident, officers intercepted both young men in a nearby block. The robot was found in the boot of a car, where the teenager had hidden it. Police confiscated the robot as well as both suspects' mobile phones.

In a photo released by police, the robot was decorated with artificial black moustaches, a gold-coloured chain and a white vest.

Further investigation

A video that may show this very incident has spread on social media. Experts are now checking whether the robot was deliberately and purposefully controlled remotely at the time.

Police have also warned social media users that some offensive comments about the case cross the line and may in themselves be considered a criminal offence.