Customs has arrested a 57-year-old Timaru man, marking New Zealand’s first prosecution for the importation of a child
sex doll.
He appeared in court this afternoon charged with importing a prohibited good, and possessing objectionable publications
involving the sexual exploitation of children.
Customs officers at the Air Cargo Inspection Facility had earlier examined a consignment sent from China, and found it
contained a life-like sex doll that resembled a young child.
Such dolls are considered obscene or indecent articles under the Customs and Excise Act 1996, making them prohibited
from importation.
Following an investigation, Customs investigators with the support of Timaru Police executed a search warrant at his
home this morning, resulting in his arrest.
Customs Manager Investigations Bruce Berry says Customs has been closely monitoring international trends around child
sex dolls and fine-tuning its targeting techniques, knowing that if such dolls are available overseas – they will turn
up at our border too.
“A handful of seizures had been made previously and, while each one was followed up, this arrest marks our first ever
prosecution for this type of prohibited import.
“This arrest should serve as a warning to other potential importers that just because child sex dolls are available from
overseas, it doesn’t make them legal in New Zealand.”
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