01 October 2020

French ‘Spiderman’ faces criminal probe after climbing Frankfurt skyscraper

French urban climber Alain Robert faces a criminal investigation and fine after scaling one of Frankfurt’s tallest buildings.

Robert, known as “Spiderman” for his daring stunts, clambered to the top of rail company Deutsche Bahn’s office building in Germany’s financial capital, untethered and wearing a silver suit and cowboy boots.

Frankfurt police spokesman Thomas Hollerbach told The Associated Press that Robert is in triple trouble after the unauthorised climb.

Robert scaled to the top of the Deutsche Bahn high-rise in Frankfurt (AP)

First, Deutsche Bahn has filed a criminal complaint for trespassing against Robert. Second, he may be required to pay the cost of the police operation to secure the area during the climb. Finally, a drone that Robert’s team used to film the climb did not have the required authorisation and could incur a further fine.

As a foreign resident, Robert was required to deposit a security against possible future criminal proceedings and then released, Mr Hollerbach said.

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