URGENT UPDATE: A married couple from Kazakhstan has been arrested in Sydney after allegedly using a sophisticated surveillance scheme to cheat nearly $800,000 USD from a local casino. Dilnoza Israilova, 36, and Alisherykhoja Israilov, 44, are accused of employing hidden technology to gain an unfair advantage at the gaming tables.
New South Wales authorities confirmed that the couple arrived in Sydney in October 2023 and quickly enrolled as casino members. Over several weeks, they reportedly went on an unprecedented winning streak, raising suspicions among casino staff. Their method? A miniature surveillance rig disguised in a Mickey Mouse T-shirt, complete with a pinhole camera sending live feeds of the gaming tables to their smartphones, while discreet earpieces provided real-time betting instructions.
Authorities were alerted when staff noticed the tiny camera protruding from Israilova’s shirt, prompting an immediate investigation. Upon their arrest, police recovered a cache of unusual items, including “magnetised probes” and a phone-mounted mirror attachment—equipment not typically found with casual gamblers. A subsequent search of their hotel room revealed further evidence of their cheating activities, along with high-end jewelry and large sums of cash.
Israilova and Israilov now face serious charges of dishonestly obtaining a financial advantage. Both have been denied bail and remain in custody, with court appearances scheduled: Israilov’s hearing is set for October 2023, while Israilova is due in court in February 2024.
This incident highlights the ongoing battle against cheating in casinos, where authorities are increasingly vigilant in identifying and apprehending those who exploit technology for illicit gains. As this story develops, it raises questions about security measures in place at gambling establishments and the lengths to which individuals will go for financial gain.
Stay tuned for more updates on this unfolding story as the legal proceedings continue.
