A 27-year-old Singapore national living in Australia on a Student Visa has been sentenced to 11 months jail after being convicted of importing a child-like sex doll and possession of child abuse material (CAM).
The Perth District Court heard that the doll had been ordered online from China and was addressed to the man's residence in the Perth suburb of Beckenham.
It was intercepted by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers at a Perth air cargo depot on 24 December 2019.
ABF Investigators arrested the man following the execution of a search warrant on his home on 9 January 2020.
During the warrant investigators seized a mobile phone, computer tower, laptop and hard-drive belonging to the man. Those devices were referred to the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
A forensic digital examination by AFP agents identified child abuse material on the tower, laptop and hard-drive.
The man subsequently pleaded guilty to the following charges:
o One count of Importing Tier 2 goods, in contravention of Section 233BAB(5) of the Customs Act 1901.
o One count of Possessed or controlled child abuse material obtained or accessed using a carriage system contrary to Section 474.22A(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).
Yesterday (19 February 2021), the man was sentenced in the Perth District Court to a concurrent term of 11 months imprisonment for both offences, but to be released forthwith.
The Judge also ordered that the man be placed on the Sex Offenders Register.
The maximum penalty for the importation of child-like sex dolls is 10 years' imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $555,000.
In light of the man's convictions his immigration status in Australia is now under review.
The Australian Government takes seriously its responsibility to protect the Australian community from risk or harm posed by non-citizens who engage in criminal conduct or behaviour of concern.
Visa cancellation powers assist to ensure the integrity of the migration program and the safety of the Australian community.
Non-citizens who do not hold a valid visa will be liable for detention and removal from Australia, pending resolution of any ongoing matters.
Anyone with information about those who may be importing child-like sex dolls or other child abuse material should contact Border Watch at www.Australia.gov.au/borderwatch. By reporting suspicious activities, you are helping to protect Australia's border. Information can be provided anonymously.
