When the dead body of an asian child is discovered in a lateral river channel in Duisburg, chief inspectors Schimanski and Thanner have to investigate the case. The autopsy shows that the victim had typhus, since this could lead to a dangerous epidemic, Schimanski and Thanner had to find out more information as quickly as possible, while under pressure from the press and the public. They soon discover that many couples in Duisburg use an illegal adoption agency in Amsterdam, which convey children from Hong-Kong to europe without asking to many questions. Following the cuddly toys, hence the name of the episode, the german word for it, "Kuscheltiere" of the kids, Schimanski, Thanner and their dutch coworker Hänschen have to cross borders and investigate in Amsterdam. Since the dutch authorities can't find any hard facts to support the german cops in their inquiry, they have to go their own way. But to find out more about the criminal scheming of the agency, Schimanski not only has to work undercover - he also has to cross the thin line between law and vigilante justice, getting himself in more trouble then ever before.