Daijiworld Media Network – Sydney
Sydney, Dec 2: A Kazakh couple has been arrested in Sydney for allegedly running a sophisticated cheating operation at the Crown casino in Barangaroo, siphoning off more than Rs 7 crore (A$1.2 million) through rigged gameplay.
The accused—36-year-old Dilnoza Israilova and her 44-year-old husband, Alisherykhoja Israilov—were taken into custody after casino security staff detected a tiny camera concealed inside a Mickey Mouse T-shirt. According to New South Wales Police, the camera captured live footage from card tables and relayed it to the couple’s mobile phones, enabling them to receive betting instructions through hidden earpieces.
Police said the pair arrived in Australia in October and immediately applied for casino membership. Over the next several weeks, they made repeated visits to the casino, accumulating unusually large winnings that eventually triggered suspicion.
“On Thursday, a 36-year-old woman was observed by casino staff wearing a small, discreet camera attached to her shirt,” a police spokesperson told The Guardian. Officers were called in and soon arrested both the woman and her husband on the premises.
A subsequent search uncovered magnetised probes, a mirror attachment for a phone, and additional gambling paraphernalia believed to be used in the cheating setup. Investigators also raided the couple’s Sydney accommodation, recovering more equipment, valuable jewellery and Rs 2 lakh (2,000 euros) in cash.
Police allege that the couple used deep-seated earpieces to communicate while placing bets, receiving real-time instructions based on the covertly recorded video feed. Detectives said this allowed them to manipulate outcomes and cheat the casino’s gaming systems.
“Our detectives collaborate closely with casino security to identify and disrupt unlawful behaviour. This strong cooperation is vital to maintaining the integrity of gaming operations and is reflected in outcomes like this,” said Detective Superintendent Peter Faux of the Organised Crime Squad.
Both Dilnoza and Alisherykhoja have been charged with dishonestly obtaining a financial advantage and remain in custody. Dilnoza is scheduled to appear in court in February, while her husband is set to face the Downing Centre Local Court on December 11.