Gauteng couple in dock for alleged possession of child pornography, money laundering
A Gauteng couple, who were arrested and charged for the alleged possession of about 10 million child pornography material and money laundering, are expected to apply for bail in the Randburg Magistrates’ Court today (Tuesday).
Tiona Moodley, 25, of Houghton, a web designer, made a brief first appearance in court on Monday.
A week earlier, her 35-year-old boyfriend, Darren Wilken, was nabbed for alleged possession, accessing, downloading and distribution of child pornography, as well as possession of drugs and fraud.
Lieutenant-Colonel Amanda van Wyk, a Gauteng police spokesperson, said Wilken was arrested during a joint operation conducted by a team of investigators attached to the national and Gauteng provincial Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations (SECI) units at a residence in Midrand on January 17.
She said the arrest emanated from information that was shared by international law enforcement with the SAPS after they had identified a target located in South Africa.
Van Wyk said the operation was led by Major General Mmantsheke Lekhele, the Component Head for Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences (FCS), who executed a search-and-seizure warrant.
She said during the operation, a number of electronic devices, suspected to contain child sexual abuse material (child pornography), were confiscated.
“A forensic analysis of these devices was conducted on scene by cybercrime experts. An estimated number of 10 million child pornography images and videos were detected.”
Van Wyk said further investigation by the SECI units revealed that Wilken was allegedly hosting and distributing child pornography on a global scale for financial gain.
“A large amount of cash, believed to be the proceeds of crime, was also seized.”
Following his arrest, Wilken made a brief appearance in court and the case was adjourned.
Van Wyk said an intensive investigation by the SECI units uncovered evidence linking Moodley to criminal activities leading to her arrest on January 23.
She added that in the last two years, police arrested 21 suspects on charges related to child pornography countrywide.