Editor's note: Images and audio grabs are avaialble to download here
The Australian Border Force (ABF) is cracking down on a disturbing rise in attempted importations of child-like sex dolls into New South Wales (NSW), with more than half a dozen warrants actioned since late 2024.
Intelligence-led sea, air and mail cargo detections led to ABF Investigations NSW executing seven Commonwealth search warrants across the state, resulting in four arrests and two court summons for offences relating to the possession of child-like sex dolls.
In October 2024, ABF officers stopped an air cargo consignment containing a suspected child-like sex doll intended for a Cooranbong address. On 11 November 2024, ABF Investigators executed a search warrant at the residential premises, arresting and charging a 63 year-old man.
In April 2025, ABF officers identified a suspected child-like sex doll within an air cargo consignment declared as a silicone doll. On 14 May 2025, a 49 year-old man was arrested and charged by ABF Investigators following the execution of a search warrant on a rural premises north of Scone.
And in June 2025, another suspected child-like sex doll was intercepted, addressed to a residential premises in Whitebridge. On this occasion, a 55-year old man was arrested and charged following the execution of a search warrant at the residential premises in northern NSW.
Each accused individual was charged with the importation of Tier 2 Goods, namely child-like sex dolls in contravention of section 233BAB(5) of the Customs Act 1901. The maximum penalty, if convicted, is a fine of up to $782,500 or imprisonment for 10 years or both.
On each occasion, ABF Investigators also located and seized a number of mobile phones containing evidentiary material of the offence and electronic devices found to contain references to child abuse material. Illicit drugs were also located at one location, and were subsequently seized with the assistance of NSW Police Force.
ABF Inspector Michael Mahony said backing the intelligence and officers that protect the most vulnerable members of our community would always be a top priority for the ABF.
“These are just a few examples of recent actions taken by the ABF in relation to child-like sex dolls. Dolls that normalise child exploitation are far from a victimless crime and they have no place in the Australian community," Inspector Mahony said.
“Our officers utilise intelligence-led screening and risk-based targeting to disrupt illicit goods like these child-like sex dolls from being imported into our country."
“The ABF is resolute in its commitment to seize any and all forms of abhorrent child abuse material at the border and ensure those responsible are prosecuted."
Anyone with information about suspicious border activity or border-related crime can report it anytime through Border Watch at borderwatch.gov.au. Information can be provided anonymously.
Note to media:
USE OF TERM 'CHILD ABUSE' MATERIAL, NOT 'CHILD PORNOGRAPHY'
Use of the phrase "child pornography" benefits child sex abusers because it:
indicates legitimacy and compliance on the part of the victim and therefore legality on the part of the abuser; and
conjures images of children posing in 'provocative' positions, rather than suffering horrific abuse.
Anyone with information about those who may be importing child-like sex dolls or other child abuse material should contact Border Watch at www.abf.gov.au/borderwatch. By reporting suspicious activities, you are helping to protect Australia's border. Information can be provided anonymously.
Media contact: media@abf.gov.au
