German Police Mistake Burned Sex Doll for Corpse in Five-Hour Investigation

A discarded lifelike sex doll in Rostock prompted a large-scale police operation, highlighting the challenges posed by the increasing realism of such products.

A dog walker in Rostock, Germany, reported a suspected corpse in a blue plastic bag, triggering a five-hour police investigation on March 29, 2025.
The object, initially thought to be a burned body, was later identified as a lifelike sex doll marketed for its realistic appearance.
The police operation involved homicide detectives, drones, forensic teams, and fire engines before concluding the discovery was not a human body.
Authorities have noted a rise in similar incidents globally, with realistic sex dolls often mistaken for human remains when improperly discarded.
Police emphasized the importance of responsible disposal of such items to prevent unnecessary investigations and resource strain.