Police arrest girlfriend of Midrand child porn suspect

JOHANNESBURG - Police have arrested a 25-year-old woman believed to be linked to a man who was arrested for possessing pornographic child material in Midrand. 

Last week, 35-year-old Darryn Wilken was arrested during a takedown operation by the police who discovered an estimated 10 million images and videos of child sexual abuse material on electronic devices.

The woman, who is a web designer by profession and is believed to be his girlfriend, was arrested in Houghton on Thursday. 

The police's Amanda van Wyk said further investigations are underway: "An intensive investigation by the SECI [Serial and Electronic FCS Investigation] units uncovered evidence linking the woman to criminal activities, including the possession of an estimated 10 million child pornography images and videos.

"These materials were discovered on various electronic devices seized during an operation on Friday, 17 January 2025. The suspect is set to appear before the Randburg Magistrates Court on Monday, 27 January 2025."

The woman is facing charges of possession of child pornography and money laundering.