Australian Border Force (ABF) Officers have arrested a 27 year-old Canberra man for allegedly importing a child-like sex doll into Australia.
On 11 September 2020, ABF Officers at the Sydney Gateway Facility intercepted a parcel which arrived from China. The consignment was described as containing a display shelf, but when it was opened by officers, it was found to contain a silicon child-like sex doll and items of children’s clothing.
Yesterday, 1 October 2020, ABF Investigators from NSW and the ACT executed a search warrant at a premises in Kambah, ACT. They seized two electronic devices for further examination. Later that day, Investigators interviewed a 27 year-old Australian citizen at his place of employment. He was arrested and taken to Civic Police Station where he was charged. His phone was seized for examination.
The man has been charged with one count of Import Tier 2 good, contrary to section 233BAB(5) of the Customs Act 1901
Regional Investigations NSW Superintendent Garry Low said the ABF has a zero tolerance approach to child abuse material.
“ABF officers use their unique skills and advanced technology to detect and stop prohibited items, including child-like sex dolls, at the border,” Superintendent Low said.
“Our officers are also trained to investigate and prosecute those who seek to import this sickening material, which has no place in our community.”
The Customs Act 1901 was amended to clarify that child-like sex dolls are a form of child abuse material, providing more certainty to officers at the border.
Under section 233BAB(5) of the Customs Act 1901(Cth), an individual caught attempting to import child abuse material, including a child-like sex doll, can be charged with importing Tier 2 goods. The maximum penalty, if convicted, is up to 10 years’ imprisonment and/or fines of up to $555,000.
The man has been granted bail and will appear at the Canberra Magistrates Court on 16 November 2020
