A Midrand couple, accused of operating one of the largest child exploitation networks uncovered in South Africa, will stand trial in the High Court after being charged with more than 900 offences.

Darren Wilken (34) and his partner, Tiona Moodley (25), alleged distributors of child pornography, had their case transferred to the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division, in Johannesburg. They made a brief appearance in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on December 9, where state advocate Colleen Ryan formally read the charges and served the indictment.

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Pre-trial proceedings are scheduled for February 19 in the High Court. According to NPA regional spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane, Wilken and Moodley face serious allegations, including possession, distribution, transmission, and sale of child pornography, cyber fraud, unlawful possession of a data device, unlawful interception of data, possession of drugs, and money laundering. “Their arrests followed intelligence received from international law enforcement partners, which enabled the South African Police Service to identify a target within the country.”

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During the operation, authorities seized electronic devices containing millions of images and videos of child pornography, along with hundreds of thousands of rand in cash, believed to be proceeds from their alleged criminal activities. The state claims that the accused hosted and distributed child abuse material globally for financial gain. “The National Prosecuting Authority remains committed to prioritising the protection of children, and will continue to prosecute all individuals involved in crimes that endanger their safety and well-being.”

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