A 28-year-old man has been arrested by Australian Border Force (ABF) Officers in Tasmania for allegedly importing 41 child-like sex doll parts.
On 20 October 2020, ABF Officers at the Melbourne Container Examination Facility found 60 sex-doll parts while examining a consignment. On further examination, 41 of the doll parts were categorised as child-like.
Yesterday, 3 December 2020, ABF investigators executed a warrant at a premises in South Hobart. They seized an additional 23 doll parts at the property and arrested the 28-year-old Chinese national.
The man was charged with one count of Import Tier 2 good, contrary to section 233BAB(5) of the Customs Act 1901.
ABF Enforcement Operations South Acting Commander Nicholas Walker said these dolls are a form of child abuse and they will not be tolerated.
"The commercial nature of this importation should be seen as extremely concerning," A/g Commander Walker said.
"These dolls are harmful and they have no place in the Australian community."
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.
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.
The man has been granted bail and will appear at Hobart Magistrates Court on 23 February 2021.
