A 25-year-old woman, identified as the girlfriend of Darren Wilken, has been arrested in Houghton in connection with his ongoing child pornography and money laundering case.
Darren Wilken’s girlfriend arrested: Here are the latest updates
Authorities allege that she played a key role in the criminal network linked to the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material.
The woman, a web designer, was detained on Thursday after police reportedly found 10 million images of child pornography in her possession.
Law enforcement officers also uncovered evidence of money laundering tied to the case.
Her arrest follows the capture of 35-year-old Wilken last week, during a raid at his Midrand home that revealed millions of images and videos of child pornography, as well as over R560,000 in cash.
According to SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk, the woman’s arrest is part of a broader operation targeting a major digital crime syndicate.
Investigators from the Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit, as well as the Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations (SECI) team, executed a search-and-seizure operation to secure electronic devices and digital evidence.
Wilken last appeared in the Randburg Magistrates Court on Monday, where his case was postponed to 27 January 2025 to allow investigators to further probe money laundering allegations.
Prosecutors allege that the R560,000 found in his home may be proceeds from the sale of illegal materials.
Prosecutor Given Mbedzi requested additional time to investigate the origins of the funds, explaining that the case’s complexity required further forensic analysis.
Meanwhile, Wilken’s defence argued that the state had insufficient evidence to justify the postponement.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane confirmed that the state is optimistic about securing a conviction in Wilken’s case, noting that criminal proceedings will continue.
The NPA is also assessing whether to oppose bail for Wilken as investigations into the source of the money found in his possession remain ongoing.