Perth Man Sentenced to Seven Years and Five Months for Foiled Child Abduction Plot

Jason William Forbes Sentenced to Seven Years and Five Months for Child Abduction Plot in Perth

A man identified as Jason William Forbes, reported to be either 37 or 39 years old, has been sentenced to seven years and five months in jail after pleading guilty to charges related to planning the abduction and abuse of a child in Perth, Australia. The alarming plot was uncovered in mid-2024 following an interception by the Australian Border Force (ABF) of child-like sex dolls ordered by Forbes, which triggered a swift police investigation and raid on his Baldivis home.

Police stated that without intervention, children in the area were at "serious and imminent" risk.

Forbes's sentence includes time for his role in planning the abduction and possession of child exploitation material. He will be eligible for parole in late 2029.

The Plot Uncovered: Interception Leads to Arrest

The investigation into Forbes began in mid-2024 when ABF officials intercepted two child-like sex dolls he had ordered. This crucial interception prompted a joint investigation by the ABF and Western Australia Police. Authorities acted rapidly, leading to a raid on Forbes's home within approximately 10 days of the discovery.

Elaborate Preparations for Abduction

Investigations revealed that Forbes had conducted extensive and disturbing preparations for the planned abduction.

Evidence indicated Forbes had constructed a sound-proof loft, also described as a restricted access attic space, in his Baldivis home. The residence is alarmingly located near two schools and a childcare center. His plan involved impersonating a police officer to abduct a young girl.

Forbes's online activities showed a deep dive into illicit planning. He had researched schools, kindergartens, and early-learning centers. His online searches included chilling terms such as "volunteer childcare work near me," "chloroform," and "knock out chemicals and gases," along with methods to build a panic room. Furthermore, his car was fitted with dark tinted Perspex sheets, making it difficult to see inside. He used this vehicle to film children less than two kilometers from his home, saving the footage to a folder ominously titled "X marks the spot."

Horrifying Discoveries at Forbes' Home

A police raid on Forbes's home uncovered a range of materials and modifications directly connected to the plot:

• Nappies, children's underwear, and children's dolls.
• A fake police badge.
• Over 77,000 videos and images of child abuse material were found on seized electronic devices, with some involving very young children.
• An "elaborate mind map," also described as detailed written diagrams, outlining an abduction plan, was found chillingly written on a mirror in his master bedroom.

Legal Ramifications and Authorities' Swift Action

Forbes pleaded guilty to multiple offenses, underscoring the severity and extent of his planning.

His guilty pleas included:

• Attempting to possess child-like sex dolls.
• Using a carriage service to prepare or plan to engage in sexual activity with a child under 16.
• Possessing child exploitation material.

Police intervened before any child was physically harmed, highlighting the effectiveness of the investigation. Detective Acting Superintendent Eamon Flanagan of the Sex Crime Division emphasized the extensive nature of Forbes's planning. ABF Inspector David Williamson highlighted the crucial role of the doll interception, which led authorities to Forbes's home within approximately 10 days.

ABF Inspector David Williamson highlighted the crucial role of the doll interception, which led authorities to Forbes's home within approximately 10 days.

Detective Acting Superintendent David Palmer of the Sex Crime Division affirmed that protecting children is a core priority for the WA Police Force.

Authorities have also issued a freezing notice on Forbes's home, vehicle, and bank accounts, stating their intent to seek forfeiture if these assets are deemed to have facilitated the offenses.

Community Impact and Broader Warnings

The revelations have sent shockwaves through the local community and underscore broader implications regarding online child exploitation.

The current owner of Forbes's former home, identified as Amy, expressed profound disgust upon learning of the crimes, having purchased the house without any prior knowledge. Neighbors Kelly and Jeremy Robertson, who have young children, described themselves as deeply shocked by the news.

Inspector Williamson noted that importing child-like sex dolls is not a victimless crime, as research suggests it can be an escalation point to direct offenses against children. Superintendent Flanagan also stated that while such elaborate plans are rare, authorities respond rapidly to suspicious activities reported to Crime Stoppers, urging public vigilance.