Darren Wilken, accused of selling child pornography, maintains the cash discovered at his home was earned legally through his online business. He and his girlfriend, Tiona Moodley, appeared in court for their bail applications.
Darren Wilken, the man accused of selling child pornography, has denied obtaining the substantial amount of cash discovered at his residence through unlawful means. Wilken, along with his 25-year-old girlfriend Tiona Moodley, appeared in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court in Gauteng on Monday for their bail applications.
The duo faces charges of manufacturing and distributing child sexual abuse material, as well as money laundering, following the discovery of more than 10 million images and videos at their residence in Midrand. Wilken also faces additional charges, including contravening the Drug Trafficking Act, possession of stolen property, acquisition and use of proceeds from unlawful activities, and fraud.During a prior court appearance last week, the defence contested the state’s opposition to bail under a Schedule 5 offence.This classification requires the accused to demonstrate that granting bail would serve the interests of justice. The defence argued that the money laundering charges did not warrant a Schedule 5 classification, insisting the case should fall under Schedule 1, where bail is typically granted unless compelling reasons exist to deny it.However, prosecutor Colleen Ryan informed the court on Monday that the state had secured a certificate from the Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), confirming the Schedule 5 classification of the charges.Wilken’s affidavit, presented by Advocate Cronje Kriel, detailed his background and financial situation. A former estate agent and sales representative, the accused stated he currently operates an online business selling content from various websites, earning him approximately R50 000 per month.Wilken, who emphasised his lifelong residence in South Africa and lack of international ties, offered to pay bail of R5 000 or any reasonable amount determined by the court. “His family had indicated that should your worship consider a high amount, they would assist in payment of the bail,” Kriel said.Regarding the alleged R560 000 in cash found at his Midrand home during his arrest, Wilken denied any unlawful activity.. The cash that was found in my house was withdrawn from my own account and consists of payments made into my account from the websites.” He also claimed that R125 000 of the cash was contributed by Moodley’s mother from the sale of her car. “We utilise this money for daily expenses and would have used the bulk as a deposit for property we were interested in purchasing in Midrand.”“I deny all of the allegations levelled against me,” he stated.Wilken also highlighted his clean criminal record and argued that his release would not pose a danger to the public. “My release on bail will not endanger any person’s safety. I habour no resentment against any particular individual or the public in general. “I respectfully submit that this likelihood doesn’t exist in view of my personal profile. I do not wish to evade my trial and live the life of a fugitive.”Moodley’s affidavit, presented by Attorney Dian Oosthuizen, described her financial dependence on Wilken following her resignation from her job.“My family and friends will support me financially and emotionally during the proceedings in this matter,” Moodley said.“I will stand my trial with a view to clear my name of any alleged wrongdoing. Despite the public media attention, I respectfully submit that I have not received threats nor do I believe I will receive any meaningful threats in the future.
CHILD PORN MONEY LAUNDERING BAIL APPLICATION SOUTH AFRICA COURT CASE ACCUSED
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