Child-like sex dolls are being stopped at Australia’s border. They could be an early child protection warning
It’s illegal to import or possess them, but child-like sex dolls can be bought online. Each seizure is an opportunity to prevent real child sex abuse.
Child-like sex dolls are being intercepted at Australia's borders, raising concerns about potential child exploitation. These dolls, designed to resemble individuals under the age of 17, can be purchased online and are considered illegal to import or possess in the country. The Australian Border Force has recorded 103 detections in 2020-21, 88 in 2021-22 and 29 in 2022-23 alone, with a renewed "disturbing rise" in attempted imports in 2025.
The case of Jason William Forbes, a Perth man, illustrates the potential risks. In 2024, he was caught attempting to import two dolls, which were described as resembling children around 11 or 12 years old. Further investigation revealed he had prepared to abduct and sexually abuse a child, including searches of schools and childcare centres and searches for restraining methods. Forbes was subsequently sentenced to seven years and five months in prison.
The interception of these dolls is not just about customs compliance, but also a potential intervention point within Australia's child protection system. In July 2025, the Australian Border Force conducted seven search warrants concerning the suspected importation and possession of these dolls, resulting in four arrests and two court summonses. Additional electronic devices seized in these cases contained references to child abuse material.
While not every person who imports or possesses a child-like sex doll will become abusive, there is evidence suggesting potential risks, such as desensitisation, sexual objectification of children, and escalation of behavior. Therefore, these dolls should be viewed as potential risk indicators, justifying further investigation. This issue extends to various fields of academic study, including product design, forensic anthropology, and criminology.
A recent collaboration between academics and the Australian Border Force aims to examine these dolls' characteristics, supply chains, and offender behaviors, paving the way for clearer classification tools, consistent seizure procedures, and stronger prosecution evidence.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
