A 58 year-old Sydney man has been charged for allegedly importing a child-like sex doll and possessing child exploitation material.
On 15 December 2020, Australian Border Force (ABF) Officers examined an air cargo consignment which arrived from China. The package was declared as containing a fashion model, but officers who opened the parcel found a child-like sex doll.
Yesterday, 4 February 2021, ABF investigators, ABF Digital Forensics and NSW Police executed a search warrant at a home in Merrylands. Investigators located child abuse material on a mobile phone and laptop found in a vehicle. Additional electronic devices including mobile phones, computers and hard drives were removed from the premises for further examination.
The man was arrested and taken to Parramatta police station where he was charged with the following:
1 x count Customs Act s233BAB(5) Import prohibited import (child abuse material).
1 x count Customs Act s201A omit from complying with an order.
2 x counts Crimes Act s91H possess child abuse material.
Acting ABF Enforcement Operations East Commander Garry Low said tackling child exploitation is a priority for the ABF.
"ABF officers are committed to stopping all child exploitation material, including child-like sex dolls, at the border," A/g Commander Low said.
"That's why we work with our law enforcement partners to protect innocent children and ensure this kind of deplorable material does not end up in the Australian community."
Assistant Minister for Customs, Community Safety and Multicultural Affairs Jason Wood thanked the ABF for its role in making Australia a safer place.
"Child exploitation is a disgusting crime and we must protect children from predators," Assistant Minister Wood said.
"I applaud our law enforcement agencies for seeking out and prosecuting those who seek to exploit the most vulnerable."
The man appeared in Parramatta Local Court today. He has been remanded in custody to appear again on 2 April 2021.
The Customs Act 1901 provides that child-like sex dolls are a form of child abuse material.
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.
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.
