Two men, both in their 60s and from the coastal Western Australian city of Geraldton, have been charged with importing child-like sex dolls by the Australian Border Force (ABF).

The men, aged 61 and 65, were charged by ABF officers in separate investigations that led to two air cargo packages from Hong Kong being intercepted in Perth last month.

Both parcels were described as containing a ‘mannequin’, however, when ABF officials inspected the contents of the packages, they allegedly discovered a silicon child-like sex doll in each.

It is understood the first package arrived on 1 September 2020, while the second landed a few weeks later.

Investigators executed a search warrant on the man’s home, and on 5 September, arrested the 65-year-old man.

Inside, they seized sex doll accessories, electronic communication devices, and pieces belonging to an imported infant-sized sex doll.

He was charged with one count of importing tier two goods of child-like sex dolls, contrary to the Customs Act 1901 (Cth) – which carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years jail and/or fines of up to $555,000.

Under the Customs Act 1901 (Cth), prohibited tier 2 goods include, child abuse material, human tissue, weapons, and some chemicals.

The man faced the Geraldton Magistrate’s Court that afternoon where he was granted bail.

He has been requested to return to court next month.

Meanwhile, a search of the 61-year-old man’s property in Beresford the following day, also conducted by ABF officers, led to the discovery of an image depicting child exploitation material and a small amount of cannabis.

The man was arrested and charged with possessing child exploitation material, intentionally importing a tier two prohibited good, and two drug offences.

He also appeared at the Geraldton Magistrate’s Court where Magistrate Chris Miocevich granted him bail on the condition that he have no contact with children under the age of 16 without supervision.

Part of His Honours’ orders included, that he give police access to all his electronic devices and allow officers to enter his property to search for electronic devices.

According to section 474.23 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), there is a maximum penalty of 15 years in jail for possessing child abuse material where possessing the child abuse material is done with the intention for it to be used by the person or another person in committing the offence, and where the material was accessed using a carriage service – including a computer to order online.

Section 473.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) outlines that “child abuse material” includes material that is a doll or other object that resembles a person who is, or appears to be, under 18 years of age; or a part of the body of such a person; if a reasonable person would consider it likely that the material is intended to be used by a person to simulate sexual intercourse.

ABF Issue Statement Expressing Determination to Prevent Child-Like Sex Dolls and Child-Abuse Material from Crossing Border

In addressing the matter, ABF Investigations Acting Commander Nicholas Walker expressed the force’s determination to avert child-like sex dolls and other forms of child-abuse material from crossing the border.

“Tackling child abuse material is an operational priority for the ABF as part of its role in protecting the border from individuals who may pose a threat to the community,” Acting Commander Walker said.

“ABF officers have the skills and technology to detect items like these. And they are equally committed to investigating and prosecuting those who seek to import this deplorable material, which has no place in our community.”

Meanwhile, reactions from the public over the incident reflected revulsion and hatred towards the offenders.

In a post shared by ABC Perth to social media informing of the men’s arrests, users were quick to share this sentiment.

“One of the men had parts for an infant sized doll already in his possession. Beyond sick,” one user expressed.

This was echoed by other members of the public, who left comments including, “Disgusting excuses for human beings”, “Creeps” and, “Sick men”.

One user went as far as saying, “That’s step one, now remove them from society forever!”

Meanwhile, a top fan wrote, “I’m guessing they’ll be named after being found guilty. It’d be nice if they got a long sentence”.

The two men arrested are both due to be sentenced in November and are not believed to be connected.