Midrand couple accused of child pornography has assets seized
The couple who were arrested in possession of 10 million images and videos of child pornography remain in police custody until their next court appearance on March 24.
Darryn Wilken and his girlfriend Tiona Megan who were arrested for child pornography early in February recently had their assets seized.
This comes after the Asset Forfeit Unit (AFU) of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) launched an urgent application seeking the preservation of cash seized at the crime scene as well as other cash in a frozen bank account belonging to the couple.
Also read: Midrand resident arrested for 10 million child pornography videos and photos on various electronics
The NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwana said the application was given the green light by the High Court of South Africa on February 17.
She said an execution of a search and seizure warrant obtained on January 17 by the cybercrime unit of SAPS led to the arrest of Wilken for the manufacturing and distribution of child pornography, possession of drugs and money laundering among other charges.
This followed after investigations were conducted by SAPS together with US Law Enforcement Agencies, which included the FBI and US Secret Services.
Also read: Alleged child pornography distributors’ bail application hearing postponed
Wilken allegedly operated a child pornography website, offering child sexual abuse material for sale worldwide to would-be clients. He operated this enterprise from a residential complex in Midrand.
Mjonodwane said it had been the largest pornography bust in South Africa. “Wilken’s luxury vehicle was also seized. It brazenly reflected a registration number KIDZ NA GP. The luxury vehicle, high-end electronic equipment and R647 300 in cash were the subjects of the search and seizure warrant,” added Mjonodwane.
After further evidence was gathered by SAPS, Wilken’s girlfriend, Moodley, was arrested on charges of manufacturing and distributing child pornography hosted on a website, as well as charges of money laundering.
Read more: A deeper dive into the horror of child sexual abuse material
The accused appeared in the Randburg Magistrates’ Court, where their legal representatives launched a bail application, which was successfully opposed by the State advocate representing the NPA on February 14. Further investigations are being conducted locally and internationally.
The couple will make their next appearance in court on March 24 in the Randburg Magistrates’ Court.
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