Alleged child pornography distributor case postponed

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A child pornography case against Darren Wilken at the Randburg regional court has been postponed until January 28, to allow for further state investigations.

Wilken is facing multiple charges, including multiple counts of possession, creation and distribution of child pornography, the contravention of the drug trafficking act, acquisition, possession/use of the proceeds of unlawful activities, possession of stolen property, and fraud.

The 35-year-old was arrested after a police raid in Midrand on 17 January.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority’s Gauteng spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane, the arrest comes from information that was shared by international law enforcement with the South African police after they had identified a target located in South Africa. 

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She stated that a substantial amount of cash believed to be proceeds from the illicit activities, was seized during the arrest.

“Furthermore, the state alleged that an investigation by the Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations (SECI) teams uncovered evidence that the suspect was allegedly hosting and distributing child pornography worldwide for financial gain.

“The police further seized electronic devices allegedly used by the accused in creating and distributing child pornography as well as countless images and videos of child pornography,” she explained.

Mjonondwane highlighted that the state requested a seven-day postponement from the court for the investigating officer to conduct further investigations into allegations of money laundering and to prepare for the formal bail application process.