French Authorities Prepare Trials Following Arrests in Pedopornographic Doll Case

French law enforcement agencies have recently conducted coordinated operations resulting in the arrests of about twenty individuals across the country for purchasing pedopornographic dolls online. The crackdown followed investigations that uncovered these illicit items being sold on major platforms including Shein, AliExpress, Temu, and Wish. At least two suspects are scheduled for trial in early 2026, with hearings set for January and April, according to public prosecutors in Annecy and Cambrai.

The arrested individuals range in age from their twenties to nearly seventy, including seven known for previous offenses against minors. One notable suspect, a man born in 1959 previously unknown to authorities, faces charges connected to acquiring and possessing images depicting minors with pedopornographic characteristics. Another young suspect, aged 27, was apprehended for possession of AI-generated pedopornographic images, although the doll itself was not found in his possession.

The four ongoing investigations were triggered by reports from the fraud repression service (DGCCRF), which identified the illegal sale of these disturbing dolls on platforms like Shein. The Paris prosecutor's office has taken a lead role, working closely with police to identify buyers and disrupt the online supply chain. Aurélie Besançon, head of the Office for Minors (Ofmin), emphasized the gravity of this issue, stating that selling and acquiring such products is illegal and reinforcing the importance of shielding minors from exposure.

This judicial response highlights France's commitment to combating child exploitation in digital commerce. Authorities continue to intensify monitoring efforts and prosecutions to prevent access to pedopornographic materials.

"These products are illegal. Our priority is to ensure that minors do not have access to this kind of content," Besançon said, underlining the seriousness with which French officials are approaching the case.

The trials scheduled for 2026 will provide further clarity on legal consequences for those involved in this disturbing network of online purchases, marking a significant step in France’s broader efforts against child exploitation crimes.