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The Canberra Times
The Canberra Times
National
Blake Foden

'Sickening': Canberra man arrested at work after child-like sex doll seized at border

Australian Border Force investigators lead the alleged offender to a car. Picture: Australian Border Force

A man arrested at his Canberra workplace faces up to 10 years in jail after allegedly importing a "sickening" child-like sex doll from China.

In a statement on Friday, the Australian Border Force said officers in Sydney had intercepted and seized a parcel when it arrived in this country on September 11.

"The consignment was described as containing a display shelf, but when it was opened by officers, it was found to contain a silicon child-like sex doll and items of children's clothing," the statement said.

Following investigations, Border Force officers from NSW and the ACT executed a search warrant in Kambah on Thursday and seized two electronic devices, which will be forensically examined.

Later on Thursday, investigators arrested and interviewed a 27-year-old man at his Canberra workplace.

Read more:More 'abhorrent' child sex dolls imported amid startling warning

They then took the man to the City Police Station, seized his phone and charged him with importing child abuse material.

The maximum penalties for the offence under the Customs Act are 10 years in jail and fines of up to $555,000.

Australian Border Force Superintendent Garry Low said the force had a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse material.

"ABF officers use their unique skills and advanced technology to detect and stop prohibited items, including child-like sex dolls, at the border," Superintendent Low said.

"Our officers are also trained to investigate and prosecute those who seek to import this sickening material, which has no place in our community."

The man has been granted bail to appear in the ACT Magistrates Court on November 16.

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