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

Midrand Reporter reports that 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 Tuesday, where state advocate Colleen Ryan formally read the charges and served the indictment.

Pre-trial proceedings are scheduled for February 19 in the High Court of South Africa. According to National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane, Wilken and Moodley face numerous charges, 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 SAPS to identify a target within the country.”

During the operation, authorities seized electronic devices containing millions of images and videos of child pornography, along with hundreds of thousands of rands 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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