Published on: December 1, 2025, 04:46h.
Updated on: December 1, 2025, 04:46h.
- Authorities in Sydney have taken two individuals into custody on fraud charges
- The investigation report claims the pair recorded the Crown Sydney casino surreptitiously to gain an unfair advantage
A pair of tourists from Kazakhstan has been arrested in New South Wales, with police claiming they employed a concealed camera to exploit the casino during several visits.
As per the arrest warrant, Dilnoza Israilova, aged 36, and her spouse, Alisherykhoja Israilova, aged 44, arrived in Australia in October. Following their arrival in Sydney, the couple purportedly sought membership at Crown Sydney, an opulent five-star resort in Barangaroo.
The Israilovas encountered significant fortune. They secured an apartment on Kent Street and visited the adjacent casino incessantly. Their winning streak, however, caught the attention of casino security.
Surveillance ultimately revealed that the couple orchestrated a scheme involving a hidden mobile phone embedded in a Mickey Mouse t-shirt. The camera purportedly transmitted live images of the table game to an accomplice, who provided real-time betting instructions.
Police Operations
When approached by NSW Police at Crown Sydney, the couple was found with batteries and a mobile phone equipped with an attachment that enabled covert viewing, capturing, and recording functionalities.
Throughout October and November, the Israilovas amassed winnings totaling $1,179,412.50, which raised red flags regarding potential fraud.
“It is alleged that their mobile phones captured images of the gaming table, allowing the pair to communicate via earpieces, receiving betting instructions to cheat the casino,” stated the police report. “A subsequent search warrant executed at their Kent Street residence led to the discovery of additional gaming equipment, luxury jewelry, and 2000 euros.”
The report did not specify the exact type of card game played by the duo, though blackjack is suspected, as proficient card counters can counteract a casino’s advantage. Card counting involves monitoring the ratio of high to low-value cards to gain a significant edge.
The Israilovas have been denied bail due to being deemed a flight risk and are currently detained at Day Street Police Station. They face charges of fraudulently acquiring a financial advantage.
“Our detectives work closely with casino security to identify and disrupt illegal activities. This strong collaboration is essential for upholding the integrity of gaming operations and is evident in outcomes like this,” said Detective Superintendent Peter Faux.
Exclusion of Card Counters
Although card counting is not illegal, casinos often prohibit players known for it. This may explain why the couple from Kazakhstan could have been enlisted by someone to assist them in continuing their deceptive practices at Crown Sydney.
In Australia, an individual convicted of fraudulently obtaining a financial advantage could face a maximum of 10 years in prison.