Australian Border Force (ABF) Investigators have charged a 51 year old Bulleen man over the importation of a child-like sex doll.
The investigation commenced on 20 September 2020 after ABF officers intercepted a parcel sent from China at the Melbourne International Mail Gateway Facility. The parcel, declared as a mannequin, was x-rayed and allegedly found to contain a silicone female child-like sex doll.
The man was arrested yesterday (Thursday, 1 October 2020) by ABF investigators following the execution of search warrants at his home and work place in Bulleen and Kensington, Victoria.
During the search, a number of electronic devices were seized by ABF investigators.
The man has been charged with one count of Importing Tier 2 goods, in contravention of Section 233BAB(5) of the Customs Act 1901 and was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on 2 October 2020.
The maximum penalty for the import of child abuse material is 10 years' imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $555,000.
Acting ABF Superintendent Regional Investigations VIC TAS, Kelly Parish, said tackling child abuse material is an operational priority for the ABF and we will use all powers available to us to protect Australians from persons associated with these abhorrent activities.
"Child-like sex dolls are an emerging form of child abuse material that the ABF is determined to prevent from crossing our border," Acting Superintendent Parish said.
"Child exploitation is a global issue and the ABF actively engages with our law enforcement partners to further investigate these matters domestically and internationally and to prevent any harm to children here or overseas."
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.
People with information about those who may be importing child-like sex dolls or other child exploitation material, should contact Border Watch by going to Australia.gov.au/borderwatch. By reporting suspicious activities, you help protect Australia's border. Information can be provided anonymously.
