Police Launch Investigation in Germany After Teen Allegedly Groped by Robot
Police in Cologne, Germany, have seized a machine and launched an investigation following allegations that a 16-year-old girl was groped by a robot.
In an incident outside a fast-food restaurant in Cologne, Germany, a 1.2-meter-tall robot allegedly groped a 16-year-old girl. After the events were broadcast live on social media, police seized the machine and the suspects' phones.
The Moment the Incident Occurred
An unusual incident took place late Sunday night on Hohenzollernring, a busy street in Cologne, Germany. A red and gold robot reportedly approached a 16-year-old girl from behind and made contact with her while she was with friends in front of a fast-food restaurant.
Broadcast Live on Social Media
It was stated that the contact and movements allegedly carried out by the approximately 1.2-meter-tall robot were recorded moment by moment. It was determined that the incident was broadcast live and viewed on social media platforms.
Intervention by Police Teams
Arriving at the scene shortly after receiving a report, Cologne police officers found the robot in question inside the trunk of a Volkswagen car belonging to the suspects. Law enforcement secured the machine and the suspects' mobile phones as evidence.
Status of the Suspects
Within the scope of the investigation, authorities are focusing on the possibility that a 16-year-old from Wegberg, identified as the owner of the robot, and his 19-year-old friend filmed the moment of the incident and made comments during the live broadcast.
Sexual Harassment Investigation
In a statement made by the Cologne police department, it was announced that an official criminal investigation has been launched regarding the incident on suspicion of sexual harassment. Officials stated that the investigation is being carried out meticulously.
Control Mechanism of the Machine
One of the focuses of the police within the framework of the ongoing investigation has been the operating principle of the robot at the time of the incident. Authorities are investigating whether the machine's movements were controlled by a remote device.
Suspicion of Intentional Action
Law enforcement units are continuing their technical examinations to determine whether the robot was consciously and intentionally directed to harass the victim.