A couple from Kazakhstan allegedly used a hidden camera inside a T-shirt and covert earpieces to cheat a major Sydney casino out of nearly A$1.2 million (£593,000), according to New South Wales Police.
Authorities said Dilnoza Israilova, 36, drew attention from security staff at the Barangaroo casino when they spotted a tiny camera attached to her Mickey Mouse shirt. The device, described as both discreet and difficult to detect, was believed to be streaming live footage from casino card tables.
Israilova and her husband, Alisherykhoja Israilov, 44, were arrested shortly afterward.
“A 36-year-old woman was observed by casino staff wearing a small, discreet camera attached to her shirt,” a police spokesperson said. “Officers attended the casino and arrested the woman and her 44-year-old husband.”
During the investigation, police reported finding additional gadgets, including magnetised probes and a phone mirror attachment—tools they allege were used to manipulate games.
Authorities say the couple traveled from Kazakhstan to Sydney in October and applied for casino membership immediately upon arrival. Over the weeks that followed, investigators claim they returned to the casino several times, ultimately amassing A$1,179,412 in winnings.
Police believe the scam worked by using phones to capture images of the cards as they were dealt. Hidden earpieces then relayed betting instructions from an accomplice watching the live feed, giving them an illegal advantage at the tables.
Casino staff became suspicious when the pair continued to receive unusually high payouts, leading to the discovery of the camera and their arrest.
A search of their accommodation in Sydney uncovered more “gambling props,” high-value jewelry, and €2,000 (£1,750) in cash.
Both defendants were charged with dishonestly obtaining a financial advantage and were denied bail during their Friday court appearance. According to reports, Israilova is scheduled to return to court in February, while Israilov is due back on December 11.
