French prosecutors have initiated a new criminal investigation targeting a British e-commerce website suspected of selling sex dolls designed with childlike features. The Paris prosecutor's office confirmed the probe to AFP on Friday, December 26, 2025.
A Pattern of Investigations into Online Sellers
This marks the fifth formal investigation launched by French authorities into online vendors of products with alleged connections to pornography. The specific website under scrutiny is called "Little Sex Dolls," which reportedly delivers its products to customers in France.
The legal action was prompted by a formal complaint filed earlier in the week by Sarah El Hairy, France's High Commissioner for Children. El Hairy alerted authorities to the British site's activities, leading to the official probe. The prosecutor's office has now tasked the national office for the protection of minors and the cyber criminality office with assisting in the police investigation.
Officials Warn of 'Dangerous' Products
In a strong statement, High Commissioner El Hairy condemned the products, arguing they represent a significant threat to child safety. "These products are dangerous," she said. "They feed pedo-criminal behaviour and endanger the safety of our children." She further advocated for measures that would require the identities of individuals purchasing such dolls to be disclosed to law enforcement agencies.
This investigation is part of a broader crackdown in France. The discovery of similar childlike sex dolls on the global fast-fashion platform Shein last month sparked public outrage and triggered a separate investigation. Authorities are also examining other major e-commerce platforms, including Ali Express, Temu, and Wish, for potential violations of laws prohibiting the publication of violent or pornographic content accessible to minors.
Recent Arrests and Corporate Response
French police have already taken action against buyers. In a major operation earlier this month, around 20 individuals suspected of purchasing childlike sex dolls online were arrested.
In response to the earlier scandal, Shein, which was founded in China in 2012 and is now headquartered in Singapore, has pledged full cooperation with French officials. The company stated it is implementing a ban on all sex dolls sold through its platform.
