Authorities arrested a husband and wife last week for allegedly using a hidden camera and earpiece to cheat at an Australian casino. According to police, the duo netted $784,000 in the process.
Staff members at the Crown Casino in Sydney noticed that lnoza Israilova, 36, was wearing a tiny camera in a Mickey Mouse T-shirt. After the arrest, officers discovered “magnetized probes” and a mirror attachment for a phone with her and her husband, Alisherykhoja Israilov, 44. Police believe these were part of the cheating scheme.
The couple is from Kazakhstan. Australian authorities charged both with dishonestly obtaining a financial advantage and are still in custody.
Cameras Used To Capture Images
New South Wales police said the Israilovas traveled to Sydney from Kazakhstan in October. They applied for memberships at the casino on the same day. They made multiple visits to the property in October and November.
But casino officials became suspicious of their winnings.
Police said the cameras captured images in games that were relayed off-site. The two players then allegedly received instructions on how to bet. A search of the Israilovas’ home yielded other equipment, high-end jewelry, and $1,300 in cash, according to police.
“Our detectives collaborate closely with casino security to identify and disrupt unlawful behavior,” said Detective Superintendent Peter Faux, commander of the Organized Crime Squad. “This strong cooperation is vital to maintaining the integrity of gaming operations and is reflected in outcomes like this.”
Operation Similar To Scheme In France
The exact games the couple was playing haven’t been revealed. However, the operation seems similar to the poker cheating scheme that led to the arrest of two men in France in August 2024. The men allegedly used cell phones and tiny earpieces to secretly film cards being dealt at various casinos across Europe.
In related news, an allegedly large poker cheating operation was also uncovered in October that involved NBA players and coaches. Portland Trail Blazers head coach and NBA Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups and former NBA player and Cleveland Cavaliers assistant coach Damon Jones were arrested for alleged involvement.
Both have pleaded not guilty in federal court.
