A husband and wife from Kazakhstan, identified as Dilnoza Israilova and Alisherykhoja Israilov, have been charged after allegedly using concealed technology — including a hidden camera and deep-seated earpieces — to cheat their way to approximately A$1.18 million at Crown Casino, authorities say.
How the alleged scheme worked
Police allege the couple used a sophisticated setup that allowed them to surreptitiously view cards and receive real-time instructions while playing card games at the casino. According to the charging documents:
- The woman was seen wearing a shirt with a pinhole camera sewn into it — disguised in a seemingly innocuous design (reports say it resembled a cartoon-themed T-shirt).
- Their mobile phone was reportedly fitted with a custom attachment — including a small mirror device — enabling live image capture of the table layout.
- Both allegedly wore “deep-seated” earpieces, through which they received instructions on how to bet.
- Additional items recovered during a search of their Sydney apartment included magnetised probes and other paraphernalia believed to assist in cheating.
Suspicion raised — and arrests made
The couple reportedly arrived in Sydney from Kazakhstan in October 2025 and applied for Crown Casino memberships on their first day in the country. Between then and November, they visited the casino multiple times — their consistently large winnings eventually triggered suspicion.
Crown staff observed the concealed camera on the woman’s shirt and alerted police. On Thursday, law-enforcement officers from the state’s organised crime squad intervened and arrested the pair at the casino. Neither asked for bail; both remain in custody awaiting court hearings.
What happens next
- The couple have been formally charged with dishonestly obtaining a financial advantage by deception.
- Police have established a task force — dubbed “Strike Force Antree” — to investigate the matter thoroughly. Investigators say the operation underscores close cooperation between casino security and law enforcement.
- The husband is scheduled to appear in Downing Centre Local Court on 11 December, while the wife is due back in court in February 2026.
What the casino sector and regulators say
A senior police official described the case as a “stark reminder” of the lengths to which organised cheating operations will go to exploit casinos — and lauded the detection and prevention efforts.
Crown Casino, which alerted police after detecting suspicious behaviour, reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the integrity of its gaming operations. Sources close to the matter say the incident has triggered a full internal review of surveillance and security protocols.
Broader implications
If convicted, the couple’s case may prompt tighter regulations and scrutiny around casino security — especially regarding the risk of advanced-technology-based cheating. It may also raise questions about identity checks, membership vetting, and surveillance capabilities in large casinos.
For casino patrons, the arrests serve as a warning: even sophisticated schemes can be uncovered — and the costs of getting caught are steep.
