Kazakhstan couple charged for cheating at Crown Sydney

Police say the pair used a hidden camera, magnetised probes and earpieces to read cards and relay betting instructions.

Australia.- A couple from Kazakhstan has been charged over an alleged high-tech cheating scheme at Crown Sydney. New South Wales Police say the casino reviewed internal surveillance after the couple accumulated A$1,179,412.50 in winnings over a series of visits in October and November.

Casino staff found that 36-year-old Dilnoza Israilova allegedly wore a pinhole camera hidden beneath a Mickey Mouse T-shirt to streamed live images of card games to her mobile phone. She and her husband, 44-year-old Alisherykhoja Israilov, allegedly used concealed earpieces to receive betting instructions.

Police said they also found magnetised probes, batteries and a custom mirror attachment for a phone. A search of the couple’s nearby accommodation uncovered additional devices.

Both suspects have been charged with dishonestly obtaining a financial advantage, fraud and the use of unauthorised devices on gaming premises. They were denied bail due to flight-risk concerns and will return to court in December and February.

The arrests have reignited concerns about the growing use of consumer-grade spy tools in casinos. Investigators are examining whether the method resembles schemes seen in Macau and Las Vegas, where hidden cameras have been. Police have not ruled out links to a wider syndicate.

Crown Resorts temporarily suspended poker operations following the arrests and has since introduced AI-based card monitoring and strengthened table surveillance. Regulators are expected to review compliance protocols.

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Police say the pair used a hidden camera, magnetised probes and earpieces to read cards and relay betting instructions. Australia.- A couple from Kazakhstan has been charged over an alleged…