Child advocacy group concerned over surge in child exploitation cases

A children’s rights advocacy group has expressed concern over the growing global trade in child sexual abuse material, as a Midrand couple accused of running an international network remains in custody.

Darryn Wilken (34) and his girlfriend, Megan Moodley (25), appeared in the Randburg Magistrates Court on Tuesday. Their case was postponed October 22, after Moodley’s legal team revealed that she would be appealing the court’s earlier decision to deny her bail.

The couple, who have denied all allegations against them, were arrested in January following an investigation by United States law enforcement, which tracked them for allegedly sharing illegal sexual content involving minors. Authorities say Wilken was found in possession of over 10 million images and videos of child sexual abuse, while Moodley faces additional charges related to the production and distribution of the material.

Founding Director of Women and Men Against Child Abuse, Miranda Jordan, said the real crisis lies with the demand that fuels such crimes.

Moodley is now challenging her bail denial, with her legal team pushing for release as the appeal process unfolds.

State prosecutor, Elize le Roux, told the court that the pending appeal is delaying further proceedings.

“It would be nonsensical for us to serve the accused and transfer them prior to bail issues being dealt with. For that reason, your worship, I have arranged a date with the defence for the 22nd of October back to this court for purposes of finalisation of the bail-related issues. We are hoping that all of that will be resolved by the time we arrive back in this court,” le Roux said.

Both Moodley and Wilken were initially denied bail on grounds that their release could endanger public safety, risk evidence tampering, and pose a flight risk due to their financial resources and international connections.

Although unemployed, Wilken allegedly earned over R3 million through illicit operations between 2023 and 2024. Moodley’s financial records show unexplained deposits of R1.5 million over the same period.

Previous court appearances revealed that the couple’s deleted social media accounts featured multiple trips to countries such as Thailand, which has been flagged for high levels of trafficking and exploitation.

Additionally, the court heard that at least three countries have expressed interest in possibly extraditing the accused.

Wilken and Moodley face a long list of charges,  including the production and distribution of child sexual abuse material, money laundering, drug possession, and other cybercrime offenses.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe