Johannesburg – The couple arrested in connection with at least 10 million child abuse images and videos have been remanded in custody.
On Monday, (3 February 2025), 35-year-old Darry Wilken and his 25-year-old partner, Tiona Moodley, appeared in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court, where they had intended to apply for bail.
Senior State Advocate Colleen Ryan opposed bail during the proceedings.
Lawyers representing the accused requested a postponement to prepare a response to the state’s affidavit, which was compiled by the Investigating Officer.
Wilken and Moodley face multiple charges, including possession, creation and distribution of child pornography, contravention of the Drug Trafficking Act, and money laundering.
They also face charges related to the acquisition, and possession of proceeds from unlawful activities, possession of stolen property, and fraud.
The court acceded to the defence request and postponed the bail application hearing.
The alleged child pornography distributors will be back in court on Friday, (7 February 2025).
Wilken was arrested after a police raid in his Midrand home on 17 January 2025.
Following further investigation, Moodley was allegedly linked and subsequently arrested on 25 January 2025, in Houghton.
“The arrests emanated from information that was shared by international law enforcement with the South African Police Services (SAPS) after they had identified a target located in South Africa,” explained Phindi Mjonondwane, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority in Gauteng.
“The state alleges that the accused were found in possession of a substantial amount of cash believed to be proceeds from the illicit activities.
“Furthermore, the state alleged that an investigation by the Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations teams uncovered evidence that the suspect was allegedly hosting and distributing child pornography internationally for financial gain.”
Mjonondwane said the police further seized electronic devices allegedly used by the accused in creating and distributing child pornography as well as over 10 million images and videos of child pornography.
“Moodley’s electronic devices were also seized, and it is alleged that there was an attempt by her to destroy evidence relating to their conducting of the business shortly after Wilken was arrested, in a ploy to minimise her role in the business,” said Mjonondwane.
