A joint investigation by the Australian Border Force (ABF) and the Western Australia Police Force has successfully disrupted planned offending against children, after early detection measures identified a Perth man preparing to harm a child.
The investigation began in mid-2024 after ABF officers intercepted the attempted import of a prohibited childlike sex doll. Intelligence resulting from that detection prompted coordinated action with WA Police Child Exploitation Operations Squad.
A search warrant was subsequently executed at the man's Baldivis residence, where detectives identified extensive preparatory behaviour consistent with planned child abduction and abuse. This included digital research, physical planning, and environmental modifications assessed as presenting a serious and imminent risk to children.
Investigators identified that the accused had undertaken significant planning activity, including:
• repeated online research relating to schools, kindergartens and early-learning centres
• mapping activity associated with child-focused locations
• searches and written planning relating to methods of approaching, isolating and restraining a child
• the creation of detailed written diagrams outlining an intended abduction process
Police also identified structural modifications to his residence, including construction work to a roof and attic space with restricted access, which formed part of the overall assessment that the accused was actively preparing to commit physical harm.
Forensic analysis of seized electronic devices revealed large volumes of child exploitation material, including material involving very young children. Combined with the offender's documented planning activity, investigators assessed the risk as serious and ongoing, necessitating immediate intervention.
As a result of this coordinated action, police were able to intervene before any child was physically harmed. The offender, a 37-year-old man was charged and later pleaded guilty to multiple offences, including attempting to possess child-like sex dolls, using a carriage service to prepare or plan to engage in sexual activity with a child under 16, and possessing child exploitation material.
The WA Police Force Proceeds of Crime Squad issued a freezing notice on the man's home, vehicle, and bank accounts under the Criminal Property Confiscation Act 2000. The Proceeds of Crime Squad will examine assets owned by the offender which were used in the commission of the offending. If the assets are deemed to be used to facilitate the offending the Proceeds of Crime Squad will seek the restraint and forfeiture of the assets.
He has since been sentenced to seven years and five months imprisonment.
Quote attributable to Detective Acting Superintendent David Palmer - Sex Crime Division:
"Detectives from Child Exploitation Operations are putting offenders on notice. If you harm children, or if you are involved in child exploitation in any form, you will be found, you will be charged, you will face significant time in prison, and we will seize your assets.
"This investigation is a clear example of early intervention preventing harm to children. Through the identification of concerning behaviour and extensive preparatory planning, WA Police were able to disrupt the offender's actions before any child was physically harmed.
"Working closely with our partners at the Australian Border Force, detectives acted swiftly to assess the risk and intervene. Protecting children is a core priority for the WA Police Force, and we will continue to identify and stop anyone who poses a serious risk to their safety."
Quote attributable to Australian Border Force Commander Ranjeev Maharaj:
"The initial detection by the ABF of a Child Like Sex Doll smuggled into Australia ended up uncovering a concerning number of additional crimes.
"By working together with our law enforcement colleagues at WA Police we have helped to protect some of the most vulnerable in our community - our children.
"This case is further evidence that these child-like sex dolls are far from harmless and can contribute to desensitising individuals to the horrific damage caused by the sexual abuse of children.
"The ABF remains committed to ensuring they are prevented from being imported into Australia."
If you have been a victim of sexual abuse, or if you have information about someone being abused, please contact police on 131 444, or report the information via the anonymous Safe2Say online reporting platform at wa-policeforce-sex-crime.safe2say.com.au/report.
