A 22-year-old Chinese national was arrested yesterday after Australian Border Force (ABF) officers executed a search warrant at a residential address in Toorak, Melbourne.
During the execution of warrants, ABF officers located and seized a silicone lower torso of a child-like sex doll, items of infant clothing, and a flesh-like apparatus consistent with child-like appearance. Six mobile phones and several computers were also seized.
The man appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court and was charged with Import a Prohibited Tier 2 Good, contrary to section 233BAB(5) of the Customs Act 1901 (Cth) (the Act). The Act provides that child-like sex dolls are a form of child abuse material.
Acting ABF Superintendent Investigations, Kelly-Anne Parish, commented on the critical function of the ABF in protecting the community.
"Importing child-like sex dolls is prohibited by law, and can attract a penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment," she said.
"When it comes to child exploitation materials, we have a zero tolerance policy," Superintendent Parish said.
Assistant Minister for Customs, Community Safety and Multicultural Affairs Jason Wood thanked the ABF for its role in making Australia a safer place.
"This kind of material has no place in Australian society," Assistant Minister Wood said.
"ABF officers should be commended for their focus on stamping out the importation of abhorrent child exploitation material."
The man has been remanded in custody until the committal mention on 22 July 2021.
