Inside Perth man’s disturbing plot to abduct child, sexually abuse them in roof and attic

A Perth man trying to import a child sex doll has been found to be planning an abduction, with authorities uncovering research on local day cares and how to restrain children.

The man, 37, pleaded guilty to a host of charges and has been sentenced to seven years and five months’ prison, the Western Australia Police and Australian Border Force said on Tuesday.

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As well as researching and compiling notes on kindergartens, schools and early learning centres, the man had detailed written diagrams outlining an intended abduction process and modified his roof and attic in preparation for an abduction.

In court, he pleaded guilty to possessing child exploitation material as well.

“The initial detection by the (Australian Border Force) of a childlike sex doll smuggled into Australia ended up uncovering a concerning number of additional crimes,” Border Force Commander Ranjeev Maharaj said.

“This case is further evidence that these childlike sex dolls are far from harmless and can contribute to desensitising individuals to the horrific damage caused by the sexual abuse of children.”

Border Force officers intercepted the prohibited childlike sex doll in mid-2024.

Police and Border Force officers searched the man’s house in the southern Perth suburb of Baldivis; inside were extensive signs of planned child abduction and abuse.

The man had made repeated online searches related to schools and day cares, mapped other locations where kids were located, written plans on how to approach, isolate and restrain a child, and drawn diagrams of how to snatch a child, authorities said in a statement.

The man had modified his roof and attic space with restricted access, which police believed showed he was planning an abduction.

A large amount of child exploitation material was found on his devices.

He pleaded guilty to attempting to possess childlike sex dolls, using a carriage service to prepare or plan to engage in sexual activity with a child under 16, and possessing child exploitation material.

He has since been sentenced to almost 7½ years in prison.

The WA Police has frozen his bank accounts, house and vehicle; anything used in the commissioning of the offences can be subject to forfeiture, which the police’s proceeds of crime squad are working through.

“Detectives from child exploitation operations are putting offenders on notice,” WA Police Detective Acting Superintendent David Palmer said.

“If you harm children, or if you are involved in child exploitation in any form, you will be found, you will be charged, you will face significant time in prison, and we will seize your assets.

“This investigation is a clear example of early intervention preventing harm to children.

“Through the identification of concerning behaviour and extensive preparatory planning, WA Police were able to disrupt the offender’s actions before any child was physically harmed.”