Australian Border Force (ABF) Investigators have arrested and charged two Geraldton men for allegedly importing child-like sex dolls into Australia.
The men, aged 65 and 61, are not believed to be linked, and were targeted in separate investigations following the interception in Perth last month of two air cargo packages sent from Hong Kong.
Both parcels were described as containing a ‘mannequin’, but when ABF officers examined the contents they allegedly found a silicon child-like sex doll in each. The first package arrived on 1 September and the second on the 21st.
The 65-year-old was arrested on Monday, 5 October 2020, after investigators executed a search warrant on his residence where they seized electronic communication devices, sex doll accessories and parts belonging to an imported infant-sized sex doll.
He’s been charged with one count of Importing a Tier 2 good, contrary to section 233BAB(5) of the Customs Act 1901.
The maximum penalty for this offence is up to 10 years’ imprisonment and/or fines of up to $555,000.
He was conveyed to the Geraldton Watch House by WA Police Force (WAPF) officers.
He appeared in the Geraldton Magistrates Court on Monday afternoon where he was granted conditional bail. He’s due back in the same court on 19 November 2020.
The 61-year-old man was arrested yesterday, Tuesday 6 October, after ABF investigators executed a search warrant on his home.
He has also been charged with one count of Importing a Tier 2 good, contrary to section 233BAB(5) of the Customs Act 1901.
Officers from the WAPF were called to the house after the ABF investigators allegedly located an image depicting child exploitation material and a small amount of cannabis.
Geraldton Police subsequently charged the man with single counts of the following offences:
1 x Possessing Child Exploitation Material in contravention of s220 of the WA Criminal Code
1 x Possessing prohibited drug (cannabis) under s6(2) of the Misuse of Drugs Act
1 x Possessing drug paraphernalia under s7B(6) of the Misuse of Drugs Act
The 61-year-old appeared in the Geraldton Magistrates Court yesterday afternoon (Tuesday 6 October) where he too was granted conditional bail to reappear on 19 November 2020.
ABF Investigations Acting Commander Nicholas Walker said the ABF is determined to prevent child-like sex dolls and other forms of child abuse material from crossing our border.
“Tackling child abuse material is an operational priority for the ABF as part of its role in protecting the border from individuals who may pose a threat to the community,” Acting Commander Walker said.
“ABF officers have the skills and technology to detect items like these. And they are equally committed to investigating and prosecuting those who seek to import this deplorable material, which has no place in our community.”
