Court hears 3 countries issued extradition requests for Darryn Wilken over child sex abuse images, videos

JOHANNESBURG - Three countries have issued extradition requests for a Midrand man linked to millions of child sexual abuse videos and images.

Darryn Wilken and his web designer girlfriend, Tiona Moodley were arrested in January after an FBI-led investigation uncovered an estimated 10 million pieces of child sexual abuse material at their home.

Since then, the couple has made two court appearances in the Randburg Magistrates Court, where they are trying to secure bail.

In its opposition to their release, the State revealed that Wilken was already facing a sextortion case.

Reading the investigating officer’s bail statement, prosecutor Colleen Ryan presented evidence alleging that the accused distributed child sexual abuse material to multiple countries, generating millions of rands in sales.

READ: NPA reveals millions deposited into Wilken's account
  
Ryan praised the FBI’s assistance in uncovering the global scale of the operation, adding that Wilken was also facing a sextortion case in a US court, filed by a teenager.

"SAPS has received information that no fewer than three countries have inquired about the possible extradition of the applicants, as these offences were committed internationally."

The State further revealed that of the five addresses provided by the accused, only one, the Midrand property where they were arrested, was valid.

The pair faces 25 counts of money laundering, a schedule 5 offence carrying a minimum sentence of 15 years per count.

In addition, each of the 10 million videos and images could result in a minimum sentence of five years behind bars.