A man is due in a French court today, accused of ordering a child-like sex doll from the online fashion giant Shein, after horrified postal workers discovered the item in a package from China.
Postal Discovery Leads to Arrest
Employees at a parcel delivery company in France raised the alarm last month upon finding what they described as a "child pornography doll" inside a shipment. This triggered a police investigation that swiftly led to the arrest of the man listed as the recipient.
Prosecutors in Aix-en-Provence revealed that the suspect has a previous conviction for sexual assault. During police questioning, the man admitted to ordering the doll "for sexual purposes." If found guilty, he now faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a substantial fine of €75,000.
International Backlash Against Online Retailers
This case adds fuel to an intensifying international firestorm concerning the sale of such items on major e-commerce platforms. Just last month, the French government threatened to block access to Shein's online marketplace after authorities found child-like sex dolls and illegal weapons listed for sale on its website.
In response to the outcry, Shein stated it had removed all sex dolls from its platform. The £34 billion retailer, already criticised for its labour and environmental practices, is now under severe scrutiny for its product oversight.
Sweden Joins the Fight for Tighter Controls
The issue has gained significant traction across Europe. On Friday, the Swedish government convened a special meeting to address reports of similar dolls being sold by various online retailers in the country.
Sweden’s Minister for Social Services, Camilla Waltersson Grönvall, expressed profound dismay, stating: "I think I react on behalf of all parents when I say that, as a mother, your heart really breaks watching these images and pictures of these dolls." She pledged the government's intent to "make sure these products cannot any more be sold and bought anywhere."
Following the meeting, Amazon issued a written statement affirming that protecting children is a priority. The company emphasised its "strict policies prohibiting the sale of sex dolls with child-like appearances," which all third-party sellers must follow.
This arrest in France marks a critical enforcement action as European nations grapple with how to effectively regulate the global online trade in deeply disturbing and illegal products.
